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Serum Folic Acid Test

Dr. Abhistita MudunuriLast Updated on 21st March 2022

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What is the Serum Folic Acid test used for?

A serum folic acid is routinely ordered by doctors to evaluate people:

Suffering from intestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease because these disorders make absorbing folic acid a challenging task for your body
Having some types of cancer or kidney disorders
Having malnutrition, anemia and problems in absorbing folic acid
Taking medication that may affect folic acid absorption

Doctors also find this test useful in diagnosing those displaying symptoms like low appetite, diarrhea, bleeding gums, memory loss, frequent headaches, or swelling and redness in the tongue. Additionally, if you are pregnant, the folic acid test can help your doctor to ascertain whether you are getting enough folic acid.

If you are experiencing severe fatigue, elevated heart rate, dizziness, or breathing trouble, these may be symptoms of anemia, and the Serum Folic Acid test can prove beneficial in detecting it. Further, if you are undergoing treatment for folic acid deficiency, doctors may use this test to check if the treatment is successfully working.

What is included in a Serum Folic Acid test?

Folic acid has a close association with vitamin B12. They work together to produce healthy red blood cells and boost iron function in your body. A lack of either of these can lead to anemia. Hence, your doctor may advise a vitamin B12 test along with the Serum Folic Acid test.

Procedure for a Serum Folic Acid test

A Serum Folic Acid test is conducted in the following steps:

The lab technician cleans the area with an antiseptic solution.
Then, an elastic band is tied and tightened around your upper arm. It slows down the blood flow and causes the veins of your arm to swell.
It helps the lab technician to locate the vein quickly. Once the vein is found, the needle is gently inserted to draw blood. You may feel a quick sting.
Once the required quality of blood is collected, the lab technician slowly takes out the needle and removes the elastic band.
A cotton ball or gauze pad is used to stop any further bleeding.
Then the technician applies a bandage on the site.
Lastly, the collected blood sample is sent to a laboratory where lab experts analyze it.

Book a Serum Folic Acid Test to check your Folic Acid level!

How to prepare for a Serum Folic Acid test?

Before a Serum Folic Acid test, you must make sure your doctor is aware of your medications, including folic acid supplements, as specific medicines may lower your folic acid level.

Things to consider after a Serum Folic Acid test is complete

After the Serum Folic Acid test is completed, the needle is taken out smoothly. The site is covered with a bandage or cotton to stop the bleeding. You may feel slight pain, but it goes away in a few days. There are no post-test restrictions associated with this test. You can eat, drink and resume your routine activities.

After receiving the test reports, you must schedule an appointment with a doctor to discuss the results and know about any concerns.

*What types of conditions can a Serum Folic Acid test detect?

A Serum Folic Acid test can help to determine too low or too high folic levels in your blood. Either of the situations can cause health complications and must be corrected without much delay. However, based on your symptoms, if your physician suspects an immoderate quantity or deficiency of folic acid in you, this test can detect it properly.

How much does the Serum Folic Acid test cost?*

The cost of the Serum Folic Acid Test may differ from city to city. However, the price range is between ₹70 and ₹2200.

You can find the cost of this test in your city from the table given below:

Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Navi Mumbai	₹ 954
Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Thane	₹ 948
Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Gurgaon	₹ 921
Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Hyderabad	₹ 772
Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Delhi	₹791
Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Mumbai	₹ 892
Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Chennai	₹ 826
Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Kolkata	₹ 944
Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Noida	₹ 872
Book a Serum Folic Acid test in Pune	₹ 705

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for a Serum Folic Acid test?

You can expect to get the serum folic acid test results within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal Serum Folic Acid test results indicate?

The reference range for the Serum Folic Acid test is 2.7 and 17.9 nanograms per milliliter. Generally, higher folic acid levels are harmless but may lead to some potential health problems such as:

They may result from a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Vitamin B-12 is pivotal because it helps your body utilize folic acid effectively. So, low vitamin B-12 levels mean your body cannot use folic acid appropriately.
Excess folic acid may expedite loss of brain function.
Although folic acid is essential for pregnant women to ensure the healthy growth of fetuses, too much of this vitamin can increase the risk of slow brain development and insulin resistance.
According to a few studies, exposure of healthy cells to high levels of folic acid can cause them to multiply and spread.

Lower folic acid levels may indicate the following:

Folic acid deficiency
Anemia
Poor absorption of minerals and vitamins.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.

Is the Serum Folic Acid test a definitive test?

As mentioned already, folic acid and vitamin B12 are closely linked. To ensure that your body consumes folic acid appropriately, the right level of vitamin B12 is also needed. The deficiency of these can make you anemic. Hence, your doctor may advise further testing to get clarity on this.

Based on the differential diagnosis of these two, your doctor prescribes the treatment.

How to read the Serum Folic Acid test report?

The Serum Folic Acid test report is read in terms of low and high. The normal range of folic acid concentration in the blood is between 2.7 and 17.0 nanograms per milliliter.

Hematocrit	MCV	Folic Acid Tests	Borderline folic acid level (3-4 mg/mL)	Low folic acid level (<3 ng/mL)
	Fl	N	N(%)	N(%)
Normal	80-100 <89 >100 All	279 31 40 350	1 (0.4) 0 0 1 (0.3)	1 (0.4) 0 0 1 (0.3)
Anemia	80-100 <89 >100 All	478 53 71 602	5 (1.0) 1 (1.8) 2 (2.8) 8 (1.3)	1 (0.2) 0 2 (2.8) 3 (0.5)
Hematocrit not done		55	1 (1.8)	0

MCV = mean corpuscular volume
Low Folic Acid levels according to hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume

Sometimes the reference values may vary depending on your body type, overall health condition, age, gender, and the laboratory where the test is performed. Hence, healthcare experts highly recommend that you must consult a doctor after you receive the test reports, to get an accurate interpretation.

Book a Serum Folic Acid test to check your Folic Acid level!

Why to book a Serum Folic Acid test?

In light of its numerous functions, the importance of folic acid is immeasurable. While mild folic acid deficiency may not trigger many symptoms, severe deficiency can cause a range of symptoms mentioned earlier.

You may need to undergo this test if:

You display symptoms of anemia.
You are pregnant.
Your nutritional status needs monitoring.
You get symptoms like mouth ulcers, forgetfulness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, and more.

After you undergo the test, depending on your folic acid levels, your doctor may advise the following treatment measures:

Recommend increasing the intake of foods containing folic acid
Prescribe folic acid supplements, which you must take as instructed
Advise either to reduce your alcohol consumption or quit it.

Serum Folic Acid test at home – how does it work?

The Serum Folic Acid test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are there any risks involved with a Serum Folic Acid test?

Taking a blood sample involves a very insignificant amount of risk. Locating veins and arteries may be challenging in some people because of which taking blood samples becomes difficult. Apart from this, the following may occur:

Accumulation of blood under your skin (hematoma)
Lightheadedness or fainting
Swelling of the particular vein
Excessive bleeding
Infection at the needle insertion site

Before the test, inform the lab technician if you take any blood-thinning medications or suffer from any bleeding disorder. It is important to note that these issues only occur occasionally and usually resolve themselves. Overall, the Serum Folic Acid test has no significant risks.

What can affect the results of the Serum Folic Acid test?

A few factors that may affect or interfere with the test results can be:

Suffering from medical conditions such as anemia or vitamin B12 anemia.
Excessive consumption of alcohol
Intake of certain medications can affect your folic acid levels. Some medications which may decrease your folic acid level can be

Erythromycin

Penicillin

Ampicillin
Birth control pills
Medicines used to treat malaria
Estrogen
Methotrexate

Book a Serum Folic Acid test to check your Folic Acid level!

Our Trusted Lab Partners for Serum Folic Acid Test

MFine Diagnostics

Starting at

₹900

Wellness Pathcare

Starting at

₹900

Thyrocare

Starting at

₹900

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Frequently asked questions | FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for the Serum Folic Acid test sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing masks and gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my Serum Folic Acid test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on the Serum Folic Acid test?

Usually, you can avail yourself up to a 50% discount on serum folic acid test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

What can be the causes of folic acid deficiency?

Some causes of folic acid deficiency may be:

Insufficiency of folic acid in your diet is the primary reason behind this. In addition, not eating fresh fruits, meat, fortified cereals, and green leafy vegetables can cause this deficiency.
Diseases like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or some forms of cancer
Uncontrolled intake of alcohol
Certain medications
Family history of malabsorption of folic acid
Inadequate intake of folic acid during pregnancy
Malabsorption of folic acid

What should I do if I feel dizzy after the blood test?

It is rare to feel dizzy or faint after a blood test. However, if you do, notify the lab technician immediately. Drink a lot of water and wait for some time before you leave for home. Also, it is recommended that you ask a family member or friend to accompany you home. Avoid lifting heavy objects and intense workouts for the next 24-36 hours. Take plenty of rest.

When are children advised to take a folic acid test?

Initially, children with folate-deficiency anemia may not show any symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, children may experience symptoms like loss of appetite, pale skin, weight loss, and fatigue. If left untreated, anemia can lead to behavioral and movement problems, and severe cases may require a blood transfusion. So, if your child shows any of the above symptoms, doctors may recommend taking a folic acid test.

Which birth abnormalities can deficiency of folic acid cause?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women should ideally take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to safeguard their fetus from birth abnormalities like:

Cleft lip or cleft palate (facial structures of the fetus do not form the way they should and leave gaps or splits in the upper palate or upper lip or both)
Spina bifida (a birth abnormality in which the spinal cord of the fetus does not develop fully and is visible through the gap of the backbone)
Neural tube defects (severe birth abnormalities affecting the spine and brain)
Low birth weight
Anencephaly (a complicated form of congenital problem where a baby is born with an incomplete skull and an underdeveloped brain)
Cardiac defects

Is there any difference between folate and folic acid?

Often mistaken as the same thing, folic acid and folate are two different types of vitamin B9. The synthetic form of vitamin B9 is folic acid, whereas the naturally occurring form is folate. Folic acid is present in supplements and fortified food items, and folate, being the natural form, is present in green leafy vegetables, fruits, animal liver, kidneys, etc.

Can the Serum Folic Acid test be used to diagnose megaloblastic anemia?

Megaloblastic anemia is a condition in which the red blood cells are deformed, abnormally large, and do not develop properly. Along with other tests, doctors also order a folic acid test as a part of the diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia.

Are there any side effects of folic acid?

It is rare to experience side effects due to folic acid. Also, as your body gets habituated to the medicine, the side effects improve and gradually go away.

Talk to your doctor if you experience nausea, bloating, or an upset stomach. Call your doctor immediately, If the symptoms worsen, or you notice signs such as:

A skin rash
Itching
Blisters
Peeling skin
Swelling on your mouth, lips, and face
Breathing trouble

Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.