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Folic Acid Test (Folate Test)

$39
Testing Method:
Blood draw
Test Preparation:
None
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This Folic Acid Test, commonly known as a folate test, is used to detect deficiencies in folic acid. Folic acid (Folate) is a B vitamin that assists in DNA synthesis and red blood cell production. Those at the highest risk for developing a folic acid deficiency include people who are pregnant, have digestive disorders, have had gastrointestinal surgery, or drink heavily. Deficiencies can lead to macrocytic anemia, irritability, fatigue, and sores or swelling in the mouth area. If you should be experiencing these symptoms, this Folic Acid Test will be sure to provide you with definitive results.

How Our Folic Acid (Folate) Test Works

For our Folic Acid (Folate) test, simply place your order online and stop by one of our 4000+ nationwide testing facilities at your convenience (no appointments). A member of the center’s staff will collect a small blood sample via the skin prick method, at which point your part of the process is done. 

The sample collection itself takes only a few minutes, and most patients are in and out and about their day in under half an hour. From there, your sample will be processed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, and in as little as 24-72 hours, you’ll have full results regarding your folate deficiency.

Common Folic Acid (Folate) Deficiency Symptoms

Folic acid is a micronutrient that plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. Folic acid is the synthetic version of vitamin B9, also known as folate in its natural form. The body needs folic acid for normal growth and DNA synthesis and to produce platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. 

Folate is usually found in foods such as peas, beans, fruits, and leafy greens. Folic acid, the artificially created form of vitamin B9, is commonly added to breakfast cereals, bread, and flour due to its role in normal growth, especially in developing babies. Your diet must contain folate-rich foods. 

An insufficient level of folate in the body, a condition known as folate deficiency, can lead to harmful changes in your health. Mild folate deficiency won’t cause any symptoms in most people. However, severe folate deficiency can lead to a wide range of health problems, including: 

  • Muscle weakness
  • Mouth ulcers
  • A sore and red tongue
  • A lack of energy
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Diarrhea
  • Paraesthesia or pins and needles 
  • Depression and other psychological problems
  • Memory problems

Your healthcare provider may order a folic acid test if you show folate deficiency symptoms. Many folic acid tests also measure levels of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins that may affect folate absorption. 

How to Interpret Your Results

Our Folic Acid (Folate) test measures the amount of folate, also known as folic acid or vitamin B9, in the blood. You may benefit from knowing your folate levels if you are planning a pregnancy, have a condition that affects how your body absorbs vitamins, or suspect a folate deficiency. 

A folic acid test can help you adjust to your diet or supplement routine to ensure that you meet your folate intake needs as directed by a doctor or dietician. Therefore, it’s imperative that you interpret your folic acid test results carefully.

You can access the results of your Folic Acid (Folate) test through our secure online portal. You can find the outcome of your folic acid test under the ‘flag’ column of the results chart, reported as either normal or abnormal. Here, you’ll find out whether your body has a healthy level of this essential nutrient.

What Are the Possible Complications of Folate Deficiency?

Severe folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a type of anemia where the red blood cells are abnormally large, deformed, and cannot function properly. Megaloblastic anemia is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

FAQs

  • Get a folic acid test if you experience symptoms of folate deficiency. Your doctor may also order a folic acid test if they suspect low folate levels are creating health problems.

  • Yes, the folic acid test is also known as a folate test. Folic acid and folate are synthetic and natural forms of vitamin B9, respectively. 

  • A lack of dietary folate causes low folate in the blood. Incorporate folate-rich foods such as leafy greens, fruits, and breakfast cereals in your diet to avoid folate deficiency.