lab draw timing

[terebol]

Hi, Ord's patient here that will have blood draw in a couple of days for folate level, only. I know to stop biotin 3-5 days ahead of lab but have not read, if same is true for folate testing. Dr. Google did not have an answer. Thank you!

[helvella Administrator]

Streptavidin is used in many tests. And it is that which can be affected by biotin.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strep...

Sometimes one version of a test uses streptavidin while another version doesn't. Maybe your lab has a pathology handbook online which has this information? Otherwise contact the lab.

helvella - Biotin supplementation and testing

A short article about how and why biotin can affect blood tests. Includes information about how to avoid any problems.

Last updated 05/11/2024.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

[terebol in reply to helvella]

Thank you.....so I do not need to concern myself w/stopping folate supplement a number of days prior to labs?

[helvella Administrator in reply to terebol]

Only with respect any folate test!

If you have just taken some folate supplement, in any form, a blood test might make it look as if your folate is high. But I'm not sure how long to wait.

I just had a blood test I knew would include folate (and other things) and paused supplements for a week. I do take folate, B12 and some other things.

[terebol in reply to helvella]

Thank you.....I have my supplements suspended for @least 4 days prior to the upcoming labs; better safe than sorry!