Folate Blood Test - More Information

The folic acid test, also known as a vitamin B9 test, folate test, folic acid blood test and folic acid lab test, measures the folate blood level.

Folate, also known as folic acid and vitamin B9, is one of the eight B vitamins. Folic acid helps convert carbohydrates from food into energy via glucose. Additionally, vitamin B9 is important for cell health, red blood cell function and nerve function. Folic acid also helps metabolize the amino acid homocysteine.

Folate is available in the diet and is sometimes fortified into foods. Folic acid deficiencies can occur in the setting of celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pregnancy and excessive alcohol consumption. Folate deficiencies can contribute to anemia, an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and mood disorders.

The folate blood test measures the serum folate level via an immunoassay methodology. To get a folic acid blood test at a Quest near you, simply order online and get tested at your selected lab. Once you folate lab results are ready, they will be available for electronic download. As can be seen on the vitamin B9 sample lab report provided above, the blood folate levels will be reported as a numerical result and can be compared against the reference range provided in the lab assessment.

Concurrent testing with the B12 test is sometimes performed as B12 deficiencies can result in lower uptake of folic acid in the body. The folic acid test and the vitamin B12 test are both part of the vitamin panel. For a more detailed vitamin screen, check out the advanced vitamin panel.