Folate (Folic Acid)
302
Information
Folate (Folic Acid). Folic acid deficiency is common in pregnant women, alcoholics, in patients whose diets do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and in people with structural damage to the small intestine. The most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum. Low folic acid levels, however, can also be the result of a primary vitamin B12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid.
Methodology
ICMA
Specimen Required
SST, Serum. Volume 1 (0.5) mL. Stability: Ambient – 24 Hours, Refrigerated – 5 Days, Frozen – 2 Months
CPT Code(s)
82746