Folate, Serum

Formal Name of the Test:
Folate, Serum

Other Names Used:
Folic acid, Vitamin B9

Sample Required:
Serum

Test Overview:
Pregnant women, alcoholics, patients whose diets do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and people with structural damage to the small intestine are all at risk for folic acid deficiency. The determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum is the most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency. Low folic acid levels, on the other hand, can also be caused by a primary vitamin B12 deficiency, which reduces the ability of cells to absorb folic acid.

Test Preparation:
There is no need for any prior preparation.

Test Performed at:
Quest Diagnostics, Test Code 466
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