Folate

Measures the folate concentration and is used to check for deficiency.

To evaluate folate deficiency and a possible cause of macrocytic anemia.

1. Check in advance whether you need to fast or have your blood drawn at a specific time.
2. Tell your doctor about any dietary supplements and vitamins you take. Check with the laboratory whether you need to fast and when to take the supplement.
3. Before the blood draw, avoid unusually intense physical exercise unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
4. Tell your doctor and the laboratory staff about any medicines and dietary supplements you take.

Fasting is generally not required. If another test has been ordered at the same time, the overall preparation plan may change.

A specific time is generally not required. If your doctor has set a different time, follow those instructions.

• Features of the immunoassay method and possible biotin interference
• Current inflammation and coexisting conditions
• Medications and supplements you take

Venous blood — serum or plasma, depending on the method

The blood sample is collected by a qualified staff member. The tube type, required volume, and processing and storage conditions are set by the laboratory's specific method. You do not need to store the sample yourself.

Folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia; the result is interpreted together with other findings. What a high or low result means depends on age, symptoms, the method used, and the reference interval.

If your result is outside the reference interval, you have symptoms, or your condition changes, contact your doctor. If symptoms are severe or develop quickly, seek emergency care.

Do not stop treatment on your own. Confirm the final test conditions with the laboratory.