Folate

Vitamin B9, essential for DNA and red blood cell production. Deficiency produces the same large-cell anaemia as B12, which is why the two are usually read together.

Folate in the Biomarker Guide — what it is, why it is tested, and what moves the number.

Add-on markers can only be added to venous samples.

Timing

Ideally fasted, in the morning. Serum folate rises after a meal or a supplement, so a non-fasted sample can read higher than your stores actually are.

Ideal, not required. Glucose is the only marker we sell that is invalid unfasted. If fasting does not fit your day, take it anyway and do the same next time.

Turnaround: the lab reports this test within 24 hours of receiving your sample, counted in working days. Most samples reach them within about 3 days of posting. Full detail on our Turnaround Times page.

We do not interpret results. Not medical advice or a diagnosis.