A serum folate blood test determines the amount of folate (vitamin B9) in your circulation. Folate is a water-soluble B-vitamin that is required for a variety of body functions such as DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell creation.

Is it for me?

The serum folate test is routinely used to examine your folate levels and can aid in the diagnosis of deficiencies or certain medical disorders. Here’s what you need to know about the serum folate test:

Folate shortage: Low levels of folate in the blood can suggest a shortage in folate. Folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, a condition in which red blood cells are bigger and immature due to poor DNA synthesis.

Pregnancy: Folate is especially important during pregnancy because it helps prevent neural tube abnormalities in growing foetuses. Pregnant women are frequently subjected to folate testing to ensure adequate levels.

Folate levels may be evaluated in people who have particular medical problems or symptoms, such as anaemia, malabsorption disorders, alcoholism, or drugs that impact folate metabolism.

Monitoring medication: If you’re being treated for a folate shortage or another medical condition that impacts folate levels, the test can help you track how effective the medication is.