BEVITAL AS
Targeted Metabolomics Services
Serum folate as pABG equivalents
Updated 21/12/2022
What is measured?
Methodological concern
The method involves quantitative conversion of all folate species and their polyglutamates into para-aminobenzoylglutamate (pABG) by oxidation and mild acid hydrolysis (2, 3). In fresh and adequately handled serum/plasma samples there is a strong correlation between serum folate measured as pABG equivalents and microbiologically active folate (2).
Indication(s)
Assessment of folate status, based on folate measured in serum/plasma samples exposed to elevated temperature or stored for decades (3).
Specimen, collection and processing
Patient/subject: Serum folate increases after at folate rich meal, and the concentration reflects (in contrast to erythrocyte folate) short-term folate statu.
Matrix: Serum or plasma.
Volume: Minimum volume is 60 µL, but 200 µL is optimal and allows reanalysis.
Transportation
Frozen, on dry ice. (for general instruction on transportation, click here.)
Reported values
Reported values: >7.5 nmol/L.
Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC): 0.56.
Literature
1. Hannisdal, R., Ueland, P.M., and Svardal, A. (2009). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of folate and folate catabolites in human serum. Clin Chem 55, 1147-154
2. Hannisdal, R., Svardal, A., and Ueland, P.M. (2008). Measurement of folate in fresh and archival serum samples as p-aminobenzoylglutamate equivalents. Clin Chem 54, 665-672.
3. Hannisdal, R., Gislefoss, R.E., Grimsrud, T.K., Hustad, S., Morkrid, L., and Ueland, P.M. (2010). Analytical recovery of folate and its degradation products in human serum stored at -25 degrees C for up to 29 years. J Nutr 140, 522-26.