Folate, also called vitamin B9, is needed to make red blood cells and to support a healthy pregnancy. Low folate causes a form of anaemia with tiredness and breathlessness, and is linked to poor diet, alcohol, some medicines and conditions that affect absorption. The test costs £68.13 plus the £50 phlebotomy fee, and results are usually available in 1 day.
No fasting is needed. Serum folate reflects recent intake, so a clinician will consider your diet and any supplements when reading the result.
It shows whether your recent folate intake is enough to support red cell production. Low levels can cause anaemia.
No. There is no fasting or special preparation for a serum folate test.
B12 and folate deficiency look the same on a full blood count, and treating folate deficiency without checking B12 can mask a B12 problem.
Results are usually available in 1 day by email.