Pathology

Test & Collection Guide

Folate - Serum

Ordering information:

Effective 15/12/2015, Folate testing can only be requested for a prescribed list of clinical situations (see list below). The request form MUST include the clinical indication for the test. In the absence of this information, testing cannot be performed.

PRESCIBED LIST OF INDICATIONS FOR FOLATE TESTING

Malabsorption conditions

Macrocytic Anaemia

Coeliac Disease

Alternate names:

Folic Acid

Laboratory:

Biochemistry

Test Code:

FOL

Specimen types:

Serum

Container types:

Serum tube with gel

Collection Instructions:

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab
Sample haemolysis may make this test unreportable

Minimum Adult Volume:

2 mL

Paediatric Minimum Volume:

0.5 mL

Notes:

Red Cell Folate is a better index of body folate than serum folate. Serum folate fluctuates with diet.

Frequency:

Daily

Result Turnaround Time:

5 hours

Reference Interval:

Serum Folate

8.8 - 60.8 nmol/L