Folate (Folic acid)
CPT Code(s):
82746
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection. Protect from light during collection and storage
Rejection Criteria:
Plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling; over - exposure to light
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
2 hours
Refrigerated:
2 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Folate holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the levels of folate, a B-vitamin essential for various bodily functions, in a patient's blood. Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and proper nerve function. The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Folate include:
1. Evaluation of Folate Deficiency: Folate is primarily used to evaluate folate deficiency, which can occur due to inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, certain medications, or medical conditions. Low folate levels can lead to anemia, fatigue, weakness, neurological symptoms, and impaired cellular function. The test helps identify folate deficiency and guides appropriate treatment with folate supplementation.
2. Diagnosis of Megaloblastic Anemia: Folate deficiency is one of the causes of megaloblastic anemia, a type of anemia characterized by large and immature red blood cells. Folate aids in diagnosing megaloblastic anemia and differentiating it from other types of anemia by measuring folate levels alongside other hematological parameters.
3. Monitoring Folate Supplementation: Folate is used to monitor patients receiving folate supplementation. Serial measurements of folate levels help assess the effectiveness of supplementation and guide adjustments in dosage or treatment duration as necessary.
4. Identifying Causes of Neuropathy: Folate deficiency can contribute to peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities. Folate helps identify folate deficiency as a potential cause of neuropathy, allowing for targeted interventions to address the deficiency and alleviate symptoms.
5. Pregnancy Assessment: Folate is important during pregnancy as folate plays a critical role in fetal development. Adequate folate levels are essential for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus. The test helps evaluate folate status in pregnant women and guides appropriate folate supplementation to support optimal fetal growth and development.
It is important to note that folate levels can be influenced by various factors, including diet, certain medications (such as anticonvulsants and methotrexate), and underlying medical conditions. Interpreting folate test results requires considering these factors and additional diagnostic tests may be necessary to fully evaluate folate status and related conditions.
In summary, Folate has specific clinical significance in evaluating folate deficiency, diagnosing megaloblastic anemia, monitoring folate supplementation, identifying causes of neuropathy, and assessing folate status during pregnancy. By measuring folate levels in a patient's blood, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, optimizing patient care outcomes, and ensuring proper folate nutrition and supplementation.