Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum
Instructions Folate is light sensitive. Minimize exposure to light during sample handling and storage.
Transport Container Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature Refrigerated, stable 5 day’s
Reject Criteria Hemolysis
Methodology Chemiluminescence
Clinical Significance Folic acid deficiency is common in pregnant women, alcoholics, in patients whose diets do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and in people with structural damage to the small intestine. The most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum. Low folic acid levels, however, can also be the result of a primary vitamin B12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid.