Folate blood test in Chiswick
A folate blood test measures folate (folic acid), a B vitamin needed to make healthy red blood cells and DNA. It is booked to check for deficiency, for example with tiredness, a restrictive diet or when planning a pregnancy.
What the test measures
Folate is vitamin B9. It occurs naturally in foods such as leafy green vegetables, chickpeas, beans and fortified cereals, while folic acid is the form used in supplements. The body needs folate to make red blood cells and to support cell division, so a shortage can lead to a type of anaemia where red cells are larger than normal.
The body stores only a few months of folate, so levels can fall with a poor diet, heavy alcohol use, some gut conditions that affect absorption, or medicines such as methotrexate and some anti-epilepsy drugs. Folate is closely linked with vitamin B12, and the two are often checked together.
The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You feel tired, weak or short of breath and want to check for a common cause.
- You follow a restrictive or limited diet, or eat few fruits and vegetables.
- You are planning a pregnancy and want to understand your folate status.
- You have a gut condition such as coeliac disease that can affect absorption.
- You take a medicine known to affect folate levels.
Understanding your result
Your report shows your serum folate against the laboratory reference range. A low result suggests your intake or absorption is not meeting your needs and may explain tiredness or a raised red cell size on a blood count. Serum folate reflects recent intake, so a single folate-rich meal or a few days of supplements can lift it.
High levels usually reflect supplement use and are rarely a problem in themselves, although they can sometimes mask the blood signs of low vitamin B12. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, not a diagnosis, and any treatment plan is best agreed with your GP.
Preparing for your test
Fasting is not required, but avoid taking folic acid or B vitamin supplements for a few days before your test unless they have been prescribed, as recent supplements can raise the result. Please also avoid high-dose biotin for at least 48 hours, as it can interfere with some laboratory methods. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, keep taking folic acid as advised by your doctor.
Folate is included in Anaemia Check with iron and B12, and in Tired All The Time. You may also want the Vitamin B12 test. You can browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is a folate blood test in Chiswick?
A folate blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £49. The price covers your sample in Chiswick, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.
Should I test folate and B12 together?
It is often helpful. Both vitamins are needed for healthy red cells and a lack of either can cause similar symptoms, so checking both gives a clearer picture.
Do I need folic acid if I am planning a pregnancy?
The NHS advises taking a 400 microgram folic acid supplement before conception and until 12 weeks of pregnancy, whatever your blood level. Some people are advised a higher dose by their GP.
Can a low folate result explain my tiredness?
It can contribute, but tiredness has many causes. Your practitioner will look at folate with your blood count and other results before suggesting next steps.
