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Test ID: FOL    
Folate, Serum

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The instrument used is a Beckman Coulter DXI 800. The Access Folate assay is a competitive-binding receptor assay. A serum sample is treated to release folate from endogenous binding proteins. After neutralization of the reaction mixture, folate-binding protein, mouse antifolate-binding protein, folic acid-alkaline phosphatase conjugate, and goat antimouse capture antibody coupled to paramagnetic particles are added to the reaction vessel. Folate in the sample competes with the folic acid-alkaline phosphatase conjugate for binding sites on a limited amount of folate-binding protein. Resulting complexes bind to the solid phase via mouse antifolate binding protein. After incubation in a reaction vessel, materials bound to the solid phase are held in a magnetic field, while unbound materials are washed away. The chemiluminescent substrate Lumi-Phos 530 is added to the vessel and light generated by the reaction is measured with a luminometer. The light production is inversely proportional to the concentration of folate in the sample. The amount of analyte in the sample is determined from a stored, multipoint calibration curve. The assay is standardized to the World Health Organization (WHO) International Standard 03/178. (Beckman Coulter Assay Manual 2011, Beckman Coulter Inc., Fullerton, CA)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday 5 a.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

Same Day/1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

3 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester