SPECIMEN PROCESSING and HANDLING

Whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube sent at room temperature will have folate and hematocrit testing performed. Wrap tube in aluminum foil to protect from light. Both the HCT and Folate will be performed on this tube. If sample is sent refrigerated or frozen, a default hematocrit will be used for calculation of the RBC folate. Do not refrigerate or freeze as this will affect the HCT.