Synonyms: Folic Acid

CPT 4 Code: 82746

Test Order Mnemonic: FOL SER

Lab: Clinical Chemistry

Request Form: Special Chemistry Form 2

Collection: Routine venipuncture; AM collection preferred

Storage Instructions: Red-topped Tube: Centrifuge, remove serum from cells, refrigerate until delivered to lab; freeze serum if delivery is delayed more than 24 hours.

Causes for Rejection: Gross hemolysis, Improper collection, improperly labeled, incomplete information,  blood collected in any anticoagulated tube. See special instructions.

Availability: Samples are received 24 hours per day at Sample Management, Room 5.136 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: 24 hours; Monday - Friday.

Special Instructions: The test can be ordered only once per inpatient admission or once per month for outpatients. Additional requests must have the approval of the laboratory director.

Specimen: Blood

Volume: 7 mL blood

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL serum

Container: SST (gel barrier) or 7 mL red topped tube.

Reference Ranges: 1.6-12 ng/mL

Test Method: Chemiluminescence

Reviewed/revised March 2008 by D. Davis