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Brain & nervous system
Folate (serum) test
Current circulating folate; can reflect recent intake.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Measures folate, a B vitamin, in the liquid part of your blood. It can mostly reflect what you’ve eaten over the last few days.
Why it matters for women
Folate helps a baby’s brain and spine form in the first weeks of pregnancy, often before you know you’re pregnant. That’s why having enough before you conceive matters. Low folate can also cause anemia, a shortage of healthy red blood cells that can leave you tired.
You might check it if…
- you’re trying to get pregnant or could become pregnant
- you eat few leafy greens, beans or fortified grains
- a gut condition affects how you absorb food
- you drink alcohol often
What your result may mean
High Folate (serum): what it may mean
High serum folate may mean recent folic acid supplements, prenatal vitamins or fortified foods, such as enriched bread and cereal. It can climb soon after a meal, so timing can sway it. A high value may not be a concern on its own. Low vitamin B12 can also raise serum folate, because cells can't use it properly, and large amounts of folic acid can hide B12 anemia. A damaged sample can raise the result too, since red cells can leak their folate into the serum.
Low Folate (serum): what it may mean
Low serum folate may point to low recent intake or malabsorption. Because this test can swing with what you've eaten over the last few days, one low result may not mean a long-term shortage. It can happen with alcohol use, celiac or other gut conditions, medicines such as methotrexate, or pregnancy, when needs can rise. Having enough folate before conception can help protect a baby's developing brain and spine. Some people may notice tiredness or mouth sores, and low folate can cause anemia. An RBC folate or B12 test can give a longer view.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.