In this study the reference intervals for folate and vitamin B
12 were estimated according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards Approved Guideline C28-A and International
Federation of Clinical Chemistry recommendations. The study included 155 women and 124 men between ages 18–40. The health
status was confirmed by history, physical examination and a questionnaire. The central 95% reference intervals of serum folate
and vitamin B12 for women, determined non-parametrically, were found to be 3.9–18.1 ng/ml and 101–666.7 pg/ml, respectively.
The reference values of serum folate and vitamin B12 for men were also found to be 2,5–17.6 ng/ml and 100–699.57 pg/ml, respectively.
We did not observe subclass differences between females and males.
Key words Folate - Vitamin B12 - Reference intervals - Sex related differences - Practical guideline use
Received: 15 April 2000 · Accepted: 15 April 2000