Folate, Serum – $35.00
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This examination comprises a single evaluation focusing on one key indicator.
Overview:
This assay quantifies the concentration of folate in your bloodstream. Folate, identified as vitamin B9, is a vital compound necessary for several physiological processes, such as the creation of genetic material, the formation of red blood cells, and the maintenance of neurological health.
Synonyms:
Serum Folate Evaluation, Folic Acid Quantification, B9 Vitamin Level Check
Method of Collection:
Venipuncture
Type of Sample:
Blood Serum
Pre-Test Protocol:
Fasting or special preparation is not essential prior to the test.
Circumstances for Folate Level Determination:
Anemia Analysis:
When megaloblastic anemia is suspected, characterized by the presence of large, undeveloped red blood cells, a folate check is conducted, especially after other causes like a vitamin B12 shortfall have been excluded.
Pregnancy Monitoring:
Given its critical role in fetal growth and the prevention of neural tube defects, folate testing is a standard part of prenatal health evaluations to confirm adequate folate supplementation.
Digestive Absorption Concerns:
In cases where conditions such as celiac or Crohn’s disease might interfere with nutrient uptake, folate testing is important for evaluating the nutrient’s absorption and ensuring proper levels are maintained.
Exploring the Folate Blood Assessment:
This test is a vital component of the B vitamin spectrum, which includes essentials like vitamin B12 and folate. These elements are indispensable for the creation of red blood cells at a normal rate, the repair of tissues and cellular structures, and DNA synthesis—the blueprint of cellular identity.
The folate blood test, also recognized as a vitamin B9 evaluation, is pivotal in identifying deficiencies by gauging the levels of this nutrient within the serum, the clear fluid component of blood. Occasionally, the folate content within the red blood cells themselves is also measured.
Folate represents the vitamin in its natural form, while its synthetic counterpart, folic acid, is routinely fortified in various foods and drinks. Folate is abundant in a diet rich in leafy greens, legumes, some fruits, yeast, and liver. Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is predominantly sourced from animal-derived foods like meats, seafood, dairy, and eggs, and both vitamins have become increasingly available through fortified grains and cereals.
A dearth of folate in the bloodstream can precipitate macrocytic anemia, characterized by larger-than-standard red blood cells. Specifically, megaloblastic anemia, a subset of macrocytic anemia, is noted for its production of fewer but larger red blood cells called macrocytes and abnormal marrow cellular formations. This deficiency can also manifest as reduced levels of white blood cells and platelets.
The importance of folate is underscored during cell division, a critical phase in fetal development. Insufficient folate at the early stages of pregnancy elevates the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the developing embryo.
Folate deficiencies typically stem from inadequate dietary intake, subpar absorption, or escalated needs, such as those during pregnancy:
- Dietary Shortfalls: Rare in countries like the U.S., where food fortification is common, adults usually maintain a folate reserve sufficient for about three months, housed in the liver. Deficiencies usually do not surface until these vitamin stores are depleted.
- Amplified Demand: Conditions that heighten the body’s requirement for folate include pregnancy, lactation, infancy, some cancers, and chronic hemolytic anemias.
Additional Assessments Accompanying a Folate Examination:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC):
A thorough analysis of different blood components to assess general health and detect a variety of disorders, including anemia and infection.
- Methylmalonic Acid (MMA):
To distinguish a folate deficiency from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Homocysteine:
Elevated levels can indicate a deficiency of folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin B6.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Often measured with folate to evaluate megaloblastic anemia.
- Intrinsic Factor Antibody
- Parietal Cell Antibody
- Reticulocyte Count
Clinical Contexts Warranting a Folate Serum Analysis:
Megaloblastic Anemia:
This condition is marked by the presence of oversized, undeveloped red blood cells. Folate deficit is a known etiological factor, which is crucial to diagnose and correct to normalize hemoglobin levels.
During Pregnancy:
Folate’s role in embryonic growth is pivotal, particularly for preventing neural tube defects. Monitoring and managing folate concentrations in expectant mothers is a key aspect of prenatal care.
Malabsorption Syndromes:
For individuals with gastrointestinal conditions like celiac or inflammatory bowel disease, folate uptake can be compromised, necessitating the test to diagnose and treat potential deficiencies.