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Institute of Metabolic Disease at Baylor Research Institute
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5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF)
5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is the predominant form of folate in cerebrospinal fluid. Testing for CSF 5- MTHF is useful to determine a deficiency of folate in central nervous system tissue. Low CSF 5-MTHF levels are associated with inborn errors of metabolism affecting folate metabolism and in dietary deficiency of folate. Disorders associated with low folate include anemia, developmental delay, depression, dementia, and myelopathy.
Download Protocol Sheet and Test Requisition
Department: Neuropharmacology
Methodology: HPLC with electrochemical detection
Sample:
Cerebrospinal Fluid - 3.5 ml collected in special collection tubes (call laboratory to obtain supplies). Each sample collection set consists of 5 microcentrifuge tubes in a cardboard holder. Tube #3 contains antioxidants necessary to protect the sample integrity. One set of tubes is required per patient.
Handling:
• CSF should be collected in the manner indicated on the Collection Protocol Sheet enclosed in the special collection tube package. Contact the laboratory for additional copies of the Collection Protocol Sheet.
• If the samples are not blood contaminated, place the tubes on ice (or dry ice if available) at the bedside. Transfer the samples to a -80°C freezer ASAP.
• If the sample is blood contaminated, the tubes should immediately be centrifuged (prior to freezing) and the clear CSF transferred to new similarly labeled tubes then frozen and stored at -80°C ASAP.
• Store samples at -80°C until sample transport.
Shipping:
Ship sample Monday through Thursday only.
Ship sample overnight with 3-4 lbs of dry ice using a guaranteed overnight courier.
Cost: $125.00
CPT code: 82491
Turnaround Time and Test Cost: 1 week from receipt of sample.
Related tests: Homocysteine (total)
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