By Yhordan Serpentini | May 17, 2023
Folate is an important vitamin that plays a vital role in our bodily functions. Whether your folate levels are low or high, it’s always important to get tested to diagnose, monitor, or treat low folate or folate deficiency. In today’s blog, we will explore what you need to know about a folate test, including what it is, what is measured, when you are likely encouraged to get tested, and how to prepare for it.
What Is A Folate Test?
Folate–also known as folic acid–is an essential B vitamin that plays a very crucial role in many of our bodily functions, including our DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formations. Adequate folate intake is important by default, but particularly more so during pregnancy, as it can help prevent any birth defects of the brain and/or spine from developing.
A folate test analyses these folic acids to measure the amount of folate in the blood, which can be an important indicator for diagnosing folate deficiency, monitoring treatment for folate deficiency, or identifying certain medical conditions that may affect your folate metabolism.
What Is Measured During A Folate Test?
During a folate test, a blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory measures the amount of folate in your blood and reports the results in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or micrograms per liter (µg/L). Normal folate levels range from 2.7 to 17.0 ng/mL (or 6.2 to 38.7 µg/L), depending on the laboratory that performs the test. Levels below the normal range may indicate folate deficiency, while levels above the normal range are usually not a cause for concern.
Specifically, blood is examined for serum folate and red blood cells are examined for RBC folate, as well as levels of vitamin B12–also known as cobalamin–are checked for in your blood, as it plays a very similar role to folate. When your folate levels are low, there are fewer nutrients being circulated to produce red blood cells, as well as to repair cells and nerve tissues, which can result in your body either not producing enough red blood cells (this condition is known as anemia), developing red blood cells abnormally, and/or have nerve damage occur; this condition is known as folate deficiency.
Folate Deficiency & When To Get A Folate Test
As mentioned, folate deficiency is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough folate. This can happen due to inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption (a condition where the body is unable to absorb nutrients from food), or increased demand (such as during pregnancy). Additionally, pernicious anemia, conditions affecting the stomach or intestines, certain stomach operations, or certain types of medicine like metformin or nitrous oxide, can all be leading causes of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Symptoms of folate deficiency include the following:
- Tingling or paraesthesia
- Ulcers
- Sore tongue
- Muscle weakness
- Blurry or disturbed vision
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Extreme exhaustion, drowsiness, or fatigue
- Numbness
How To Prepare For A Folate Test
During a folate test, a healthcare professional will perform a venipuncture in your arm to collect a sample of your blood. You may feel a slight pinch or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally quick and relatively painless. It is rare, but there is a potential chance that you may feel slightly dizzy for a short period.
After the blood sample is collected, it will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis, and your healthcare provider will inform you of the results when they become available. Outside of being prepared to ask any questions, you may be asked to fast 6-12 hours prior to testing for the most accurate possible results.
Need a fast and reliable folate test? Visit our Lab Tests page to book your Folate (Folic Acid) appointment and get your sample collected for testing; track your reports online and get notified when your reports are done, typically within one day.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice
References:
Healthdirect Australia. (2022, December). Folate blood test. healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/folate-test#:~:text=The%20folate%20blood%20test%20checks,or%20medicines%2C%20and%20your%20diet.
NHS. (2023, February 20). Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia. NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/causes/
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia symptoms and treatments. NHS inform. (2023, March 10). https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia
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