What is a folate blood test?

Folate is an important nutrient for making red blood cells and for repairing cells and nerve tissue in your body. Your body cannot produce folate and depends on your diet to make sure you get enough. Synthetic folate is called folic acid, and is also known as vitamin B9.

A folate blood test checks if you have enough folate in your blood (serum folate).

Usually, your doctor will also check the levels of vitamin B12 together with a folate blood test. This vitamin, also known as cobalamin, plays very similar roles to folate in your body.

When is a folate blood test used?

There are many reasons you might need a folate blood test, including if you have symptoms of low folate, or if you have a health condition that affects your folate levels.

Low folate levels can:

• stop your body from producing enough red blood cells (anaemia)
• prevent your red blood cells from developing normally
• cause nerve damage

There are many possible reasons for a low folate level.

• You might not be getting enough folate from your diet, especially if you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet.
• Your body might not be absorbing folate from the food you eat. This can be due to alcohol intake or a health condition.
• Your body might be losing folate due to a medicine you take.
• Your body might be losing folate due to a liver or kidney

If you have symptoms of anaemia or neuropathy (pain, weakness, numbness or tingling) your doctor may refer you for a folate blood test.

You might also have this test if you are having treatment for low folate or low vitamin B12. This is so your doctor can check how well your treatment is working.

You might need more folate than usual if you are pregnant. Folate is important during pregnancy as it helps prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects. Your folate levels may be tested as part of your pregnancy screens.

Read more on folate and pregnancy.

Where can I get a folate blood test?

You usually need to go to a pathology collection centre to get a folate blood test. Your doctor can recommend one near you.

Sometimes, your doctor will collect blood for testing in their clinic. Blood tests are also routinely done in hospitals.

How do I prepare for a folate blood test?

You might need to fast for 6 to 8 hours before the blood test. This means not eating any food and drinking only water. Most people have the test in the morning, so it doesn't interfere with their meals.

If you are having other blood tests done at the same time, there may be special instructions you need to follow. Check with your doctor or the pathology collection centre. Ask them if there is anything you need to do before your blood test.

What happens during a folate blood test?

A folate blood test is usually done at a pathology collection centre following a referral from your doctor. A health professional will take a sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. The blood will then be sent to a laboratory for testing.

What do my folate blood test results mean?

Your folate blood test will show the normal range of blood folate, and if your folate level is within or outside the normal range.

If you have low folate levels it may mean that you have a folate deficiency. More tests can help to understand the cause of this deficiency. Sometimes your folate levels can decrease when you are sick. You should discuss your results with your doctor. They can help you understand what they mean for you.

Resources and support

Pathology Tests Explained has more information about folate testing.

Visit healthdirect's 'Guide to blood testing' to learn more about blood tests in general with information about:

• what to consider before having a blood test
• what happens during a blood test
• the accuracy of your results
• the cost of your blood tests

You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak to, 24 hours, 7 days a week.