Red cell folate blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is needed to make healthy red blood cells and DNA, and is especially important in early pregnancy for the healthy development of the spine and brain of a baby. It is found in green leafy vegetables, chickpeas, beans, citrus fruit and fortified foods.

Serum folate, the more common test, changes quickly with recent meals. Red cell folate measures the folate locked into red blood cells as they form, so it gives a longer-term view across the life of the cells, which is around three to four months. It can be useful when serum results are borderline or when recent eating may have masked a longer pattern of low intake.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You feel tired or breathless and want to check for a possible cause of anaemia.
• You eat few vegetables, pulses or fortified foods.
• You have coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or another condition that affects absorption.
• You take medicines that can lower folate, such as methotrexate or some anti-epilepsy medicines, and your doctor has suggested a check.
• You are planning a pregnancy and want to understand your folate status before you conceive.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your red cell folate level alongside the laboratory reference range. A low level suggests longer-term low intake or poor absorption and can contribute to anaemia with large red cells. Low folate and low vitamin B12 can look similar in blood counts, so B12 is usually checked at the same time before treatment starts.

A raised level usually reflects supplements or fortified foods. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not essential, although some laboratories prefer a sample taken before breakfast. Let us know if you take folic acid, a multivitamin or B-complex, and tell us about any biotin supplements, as biotin can affect some laboratory tests. Avoiding biotin for 48 hours beforehand is sensible. We confirm any preparation when you book.

Folate is often checked with vitamin B12 on our vitamin B12 tests and with a full blood count. Red cell folate is also part of Omnia Signature. You can see every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a red cell folate test in Chiswick?

The Red Cell Folate test costs £89. This includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

What is the difference between red cell folate and serum folate?

Serum folate shows recent intake and can change after a single meal. Red cell folate reflects stores over the past few months.

Should I take folic acid if I am planning a pregnancy?

The NHS recommends 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before conception and until 12 weeks of pregnancy, whatever your result. Some people are advised a higher dose by their GP.

Should vitamin B12 be tested at the same time?

It is a good idea. Treating low folate without checking B12 can mask a B12 deficiency, so the two are usually reviewed together.