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HelpTest Code B/F Vitamin B-12/Folate
Useful For
Investigation of macrocytic anemia, workup of deficiencies seen in megaloblastic anemias, investigation of suspected folate deficiency.
Synonyms/Keywords
Vitamin B-12, B12, Cyanocobalamin, Folate, Folic Acid
Specimen Requirements
| Fasting Required | Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Serum | Serum Separator Tube (SST) | Red Top Tube (RTT) | 1.0 mL | 0.8 mL | 0.6 mL |
Collection/Processing Instructions
Refrigerate off the cells up to 4 hours.
If analysis will be delayed longer than 4 hours, freeze the sample.
Avoid repeated freezing and thawing of serum specimen.
High doses of exogenous biotin (also termed Vitamin B7, Vitamin H or Coenzyme R) may interfere with the Folate assay, therefore it is recommended that patients refrain from consuming any multivitamin or supplement containing biotin for at least 72 hours prior to collection of a blood sample.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated off cells | < 4 hours |
| Frozen | 2 months |
Rejection Criteria
More than Trace Hemolysis
Interferences
Folate: Human Anti-Murine Antibodies (HAMA) may develop leading to test interference in patients receiving murine-based agents for chemotherapy or tumor-imaging studies. Likewise, Fluorescein used in retinal angiography will interfere. High doses of exogenous biotin (also termed Vitamin B7, Vitamin H, or Coenzyme R) may interfere with this assay.
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Marshfield |
Folate: ≥ 3.4 ng/mL Vitamin B-12: 160-1000 pg/mL |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Chemistry
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Competitive Immunoassay using Direct Chemiluminescent Technology/Beckman |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82746 | 1 | Folate | ||
| 82607 | 1 | Vitamin B-12 |