Folate, Serum
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
Folate, Serum - This test checks the level of folic acid in your body, which is especially important for pregnant women, people who don't eat enough raw fruits and vegetables, those with alcohol dependence, and individuals with damage to their small intestine. Sometimes, low levels of folic acid might be due to not having enough vitamin B12, which affects folate levels. Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assay results. For patients supplementing with daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8-72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.
- Folate
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
This test checks the level of folic acid in your body, which is especially important for pregnant women, people who don't eat enough raw fruits and vegetables, those with alcohol dependence, and individuals with damage to their small intestine. Sometimes, low levels of folic acid might be due to not having enough vitamin B12, which affects folate levels. Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assay results. For patients supplementing with daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8-72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.
Amber vial.
3–5 business days
5-9 years >7.1 ng/mL
10-17 years >8.0 ng/mL
≥18 years
Low <3.4 ng/mL
Borderline 3.4-5.4 ng/mL
Normal >5.4 ng/mL
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 36 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 30 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Hemolysis
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
