Invert tube 8-10 times to mix blood with anticoagulant. In-patient - LAB, for Folate HCT, deliver to hematology. Client - If possible, include hematocrit value. Submit refrigerated or frozen WB in plastic tube. Light protect.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Refrigerated WB
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Refrigerated: 8 hours; Frozen: 6 months
Ordering Recommendations
Please direct the provider to order a serum folate instead. The population of patients that is folate deficient is small since there is widespread folate supplementation of our food. IUHPL is basing the recommendation to order a serum folate level instead because of the Choosing Wisely Initiative, which aims to reduce waste in health care and avoid unnecessary tests and procedures. For RBC folate, the American Society for Clinical Pathology 2017 Choosing Wisely recommendation is "Do not order redblood cell folate levels at all." In the work-up for a macrocytic anemia, folate supplementation should be considered as the first line of therapy instead of serum folate testing.
Invert tube 8-10 times to mix blood with anticoagulant. In-patient - LAB, for Folate HCT, deliver to hematology. Client - If possible, include hematocrit value. Submit refrigerated or frozen WB in plastic tube. Light protect.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Refrigerated WB
Stability (from collection to initiation)
Refrigerated: 8 hours; Frozen: 6 months
Ordering
Ordering Recommendations
Please direct the provider to order a serum folate instead. The population of patients that is folate deficient is small since there is widespread folate supplementation of our food. IUHPL is basing the recommendation to order a serum folate level instead because of the Choosing Wisely Initiative, which aims to reduce waste in health care and avoid unnecessary tests and procedures. For RBC folate, the American Society for Clinical Pathology 2017 Choosing Wisely recommendation is "Do not order redblood cell folate levels at all." In the work-up for a macrocytic anemia, folate supplementation should be considered as the first line of therapy instead of serum folate testing.
