Folate RBC
Test Mnemonic
RBCFLP
CPT Codes
- 82747 - QTY (1)
- 85014 - QTY (1)
Aliases
- Folate, Red Blood Cell
- Folic Acid RBC
Includes
- Folate RBC
- Hematocrit
Performing Laboratory
ARUP
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | Whole blood | EDTA (Lavender) | Frozen, Critical | Protect from light during collection, storage, and shipment. Mix specimen well. Transfer 1 mL whole blood into an amber transport tube and freeze. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered. | |
| 2.5 mL | Whole blood | EDTA (Lavender) | Refrigerated | Fill tube to at least half of fill volume. |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 1 mL split between 2 aliquots of 0.5 mL each |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Frozen | Folate RBC: 2 months; Hematocrit: Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | Folate RBC: 4 hours; Hematocrit: 48 hours |
| Ambient | Folate RBC: 2 hours; Hematocrit: 24 hours |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
2 - 3 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Automated Cell Counter | |
| Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay |
Special Info
Hematocrit must be performed and submitted with the order. If the patient has not received a transfusion or experienced excessive bleeding between the RBC folate draw and the hematocrit draw, any hematocrit drawn within 24 hours of the RBC folate draw is acceptable. Folate RBC tube only: Critical frozen and must be protected from light during collection, storage and shipment. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered. Specimens that are clotted or non-frozen will be rejected. This test is New York DOH approved.
Clinical Info
Aids in detecting folate deficiency.