Fasting prior to specimen collection is preferred as recent food intake may appreciably increase the folate concentration, however, non-fasting specimens will be accepted.

Fasting for a blood test

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Immediately following collection, thoroughly mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Immediatley following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gentle inverting 8 - 10 times, to prevent clotting

Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

• Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Hemolysis
• Improper anticoagulant or ratio
• Delay in transport
• Improper storage temperature affecting results
• Improper container
• Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) and Chemiflex

≥ 4.0 ng/mL
< 4.0 ng/mL suggests folate deficiency