A Folate Test is a blood test that measures the level of Folate in your body. Folates are a type of B vitamin that is found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods.
A folate test is used to diagnose a disease called megaloblastic anemia, which is a type of anemia characterized by large, abnormal red blood cells.
If you are thinking about getting pregnant, or are already pregnant, you should get a folate test.
If you have any risk factors for birth defects, such as a family history of neural tube defects, you should speak with your doctor about getting a higher dose of folate.
Most women will not need to get a folate test unless their doctor suspects they may have a deficiency. However, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to speak with your doctor about whether or not you should get tested.
The normal range for the folate test is between 2.9 and 20.5 ng/mL.
If you are looking to lower your folate test results, there are a few things you can do.
First, make sure you are eating a diet that is high in folate-rich foods. This includes leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, fortified cereals, and bread.
You should also be taking a daily multivitamin that contains folic acid, as this will help to top up your levels of this important nutrient. If you have any concerns about your folate levels, speak to your doctor or a registered dietitian for more advice.
Yes, a folate test is safe. This blood test measures the level of folate in your blood.
Before you have a folate test, your doctor will likely give you specific instructions. These may include fasting for a certain period of time before the test and avoiding taking vitamins or supplements that contain folate.
It’s also important to tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking, as some can interfere with the results of a folate test. Be sure to mention if you’re taking:
Yes, fasting is required for the folate test.
Yes, home sample collection is available for Folate Test. One can opt for home collection while booking a test through Max Lab.
Folate Test Normal Range | Sample | Reference | Range |
Serum/ Plasma | Normal | > 5.9 ng/ mL | |
Indeterminate | 4.0 – 5.9 ng/ mL | ||
Deficient | < 4.0 ng/ mL |