Folate (Serum) Blood Test

£39.00

Measure your folate levels, an important B vitamin for cell growth and division, with our serum folate blood test.

Results estimated in 3 working days

View 1 Biomarkers

How do you want to take your sample?

Please choose one option below
  • Book a venous draw at a clinic   +£35.00

    Visit one of our national clinic partners for a nurse to take your venous blood sample from a vein in your arm. We’ll email you instructions on how to book after we’ve processed your order.
  • Book a venous draw at home with a nurse +£59.00

  • Self-arrange a professional sample collection Free

Folate (Serum) Blood Test

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Is it for you?

Folate is an essential B vitamin for normal red cell formation, tissue, cellular repair, and synthesis.

Checking your folate could be helpful if you're pregnant (as your requirement increases) or to see if you're getting enough folate through your diet.

Biomarker table

Vitamins

Folate - serum

Learn more

Folate is a B vitamin which acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of amino acids. It is also vital for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines which are essential for DNA synthesis and red cell formation. Folate is also especially important during the first trimester of pregnancy so if you are thinking of becoming pregnant it is important to make sure your folate levels are normal.
Special instructions

How to prepare for your test

Prepare for your Folate (Serum) Blood Test by following these instructions. You should take this test before you take any medication or vitamin/mineral supplements. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.

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How it works

Your personalised, actionable health results are only a few clicks away. Order your test, take and post your sample, then view your results online with our doctors' comments.

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FAQs

Why do pregnant women need folate?

Pregnant women require an increased amount of folate for proper foetal development as folate is necessary for healthy cell division. Low folate levels may lead to neural tube defects in the developing foetus.

Are folate and folic acid the same thing?

Vitamin B9, folic acid, and folate are often used interchangeably. While folate and folic acid are similar, there are differences. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin, so the body can't store it, and we need to ingest it through the foods we eat. Most people should be able to get the amount they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. Folic acid is a synthesised version of folate produced in a laboratory and found in supplements and fortified foods such as cereals. For more, read our blog: Folate vs. folic acid - what's the difference?

What is folate?

Folate, or vitamin B9, is a water-soluble B vitamin found in foods such as leafy greens, cooked dried beans, peas, lentils, spinach and asparagus. It is also added to fortified foods such as breakfast cereals. Folate is necessary for normal red cell formation, tissue and cellular repair and DNA synthesis.

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