Test Details
Folate
Folate is necessary for normal metabolism, DNA synthesis and red blood cell regeneration. Untreated deficiencies may lead to megaloblastic anemia. One of the most important folate-dependent reactions is the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Patient Preparation
8 hour fast prior to collection. Patient may drink water, black coffee, or tea (no milk, cream or sugar).
Preferred Specimen
Green Top Tube
(Lithium Heparin plasma separator tube with gel)
Alternate Specimen
Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate immediately (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 2 days
Lab Values
Folate
- Increased Risk: <12.0 ng/mL
- Borderline: 12.0-18.0 ng/mL
- Optimal: >18.0 ng/mL
Clinical Significance
Folate
Isolated folate deficiency is uncommon; it usually coexists with other nutrient deficiencies because of its strong association with poor diet, alcoholism, and, sometimes, malabsorptive disorders. Women with insufficient folate intakes are at increased risk of giving birth to infants with neural tube defects.
- High doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may interfere with assay results. Patient assumed to be refraining from biotin supplementation for at least 3 days prior to blood draw.
Treatment Options
Folate
Treatment is based on the cause of the folate deficiency. Folate supplementation may be necessary. Individuals with MTHFR 677T genotype may require supplementation with methyl folate instead of folate to adequately lower their homocysteine levels.
