Test Code RBFOL / 8041-Q FOLATE, ERYTHROCYTES

Important Note

Specimens for this testing should be collected Monday-Thursday to ensure proper processing.

Hematocrit must be performed within 24 hours of collection on an ambient or refrigerated sample, do NOT freeze unless hematocrit testing has been performed.

Additional Codes

Software	Test Code
SoftID	RBFOL
EPIC	LAB70
Quest Diagnostics	8041

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics

Useful For

Evaluating nutritional deficiencies

Method Name

Immunochemiluminometric Assay (ICMA)

Reference Values

>280 ng/mL

Days and Times Test Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

2 Days

Specimen Type

Whole Blood

Preferred Container

Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)

Preferred Volume

Whole Blood: 1 mL (Lavender Top Tube (EDTA))

Minimum Volume

Whole Blood: 0.2 mL (Lavender Top Tube (EDTA))

Specimen Collection and Handling

1. Submit whole blood lavender-top tube at ambient temperature.

2. Do not freeze as UNLESS hematocrit has been performed on sample prior to forwarding to referrals lab.

3. Folate is light sensitive. Minimize exposure to light during sample handling and storage. Foil wrap samples to protect from light.

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Frozen: 30 Days

Refrigerated: 5 Days

Room Temp: 5 Days

Note: FROZEN STABILITY APPLIES TO FOLATE ONLY – Hematocrit must be performed on ambient or refrigerated sample.

Add On Capable

Contact Reference Lab – If add-on can never be done, report the test to the Administrative Analyst

Advance Beneficiary Notice Requirements

This test, when ordered on Medicare patients, is subject to the National Coverage Determination (NCD) policies. Please verify that the diagnosis code (ICD code) you have chosen demonstrates medical necessity for the test as documented in the physician’s patient record. The CMS web site is available to assist you with this verification. A properly executed Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) must be submitted with the specimen if medical necessity is not demonstrated by the ICD code chosen.

CPT Code Information

CPT Code	CPT Description	CPT Disclaimer
82747	Folic Acid, Red Blood Cells, Quantitative

Keywords

RBC FOLATE

Performing Laboratory Location