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
1.0 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
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.
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.
