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Trusted to do over 100,000 tests per month.
Folate - Folic acid - Vitamin B9 Blood Test

 


FOLATE - FOLIC ACID - VITAMIN B9 BLOOD TEST

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£45.00
£45.00 - £45.00
£45.00
£45.00 - £45.00
1 biomarker
1-2 days
Instructions
FAQ

This test measures the total level of folic acid (Vitamin B9) in your blood. Folate (B9) breaks down homocysteine in order to create other chemicals your body needs.

Simple and accurate blood test from a laboratory you can speak to.



STEP 1 - CHOOSE YOUR SAMPLE COLLECTION OPTION
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FOLATE (FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN B9) BLOOD TEST OVERVIEW

A folic acid blood test measures the level of folate (vitamin B9) in your blood, providing valuable insights into overall nutritional status and helping detect potential deficiencies.

Folate is essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and normal cellular growth, particularly during pregnancy when an adequate intake reduces the risk of pregnancy problems.

Common symptoms of low folate may include fatigue, weakness, poor concentration, and in severe cases, anemia.

By doing this test and assessing your folate levels, you can action dietary adjustments or supplements to restore optimal nutrition and prevent related health complications.

SHARE YOUR HEALTH STORY

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FOLATE (FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN B9) BLOOD TEST

The folate blood test measures the total level of folic acid (Vitamin B9) in your blood. Vitamin B9, also known as folate or folic acid in its synthetic form, is vital for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and proper baby development during pregnancy. Insufficient folate intake may lead to megaloblastic anaemia, manifesting as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating

Folate (B9) breaks down Homocysteine in order to create other chemicals your body needs. 

1 BIOMARKER

  1. MICRONUTRIENTS

    - Vitamin B9 ( also known as Folate and Folic Acid)

  2. UPGRADE

    Need more biomarkers? Check out our Ultimate Healthy Man or Ultimate Healthy Woman Blood Tests

  1. TURNAROUND TIME

    We are extremely fast, with some results available within hours and others within a working day or less, from the time your sample is in our lab. However, this is not a guarantee and should not be taken as such. This is the guideline turnaround time that can be shorter or longer.


    THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEED TURNAROUND TIME.


    We are extremely proud of our very short turnaround times and a very efficient laboratory processes, you will start receiving results as soon as they are available and have completed clinical validation.


    Whilst we accommodate the shortest of time scales, with some results available within hours, for this particular test the usual turnaround time is: 1-2 working days.

  1. WILL I HAVE A GENERAL EXPLANATION OF MY RESULTS?

    Yes, our doctors put a huge amount of effort into your online Health Dashboard, which will have explanations of what each biomarker is, the normal reference ranges and what it means if you are outside of them.


    This service is included in the price of all our tests.

  1. CAN I SEE A GP TO DISCUSS MY RESULTS?

    Yes, usually the same or next day.


    One Day Tests has a fantastic clinical team of consultants and GPs. Once you have your results you can book an online video consultation to discuss your results.


    Our clinical team consists of practicing NHS and private GPs, who work closely with our laboratory and can tell you what your blood test results mean for you. Having an integrated laboratory and GP services makes your health journey seamless and extremely efficient.


    This service is not included in the price of the test, it is charged separately, should you wish to book it.

DOCTOR'S COMMENTS

Hi, I am Dr. Adam Staten and here's my view on this test as a GP and Clinical Director at One Day Tests.

DR. ADAM STATEN - GP VIEW AND RED FLAG SYMPTOMS

Vitamin B9, commonly referred to as folate or folic acid in its synthetic form, is a water-soluble vitamin integral to DNA synthesis, cell division, and the maturation of red blood cells.

Adequate folate intake is particularly crucial during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy, infancy, and adolescence, as it helps prevent neural tube defects (e.g. spina bifida) and supports optimal foetal development.

Adults also require sufficient folate to maintain normal haematological function and prevent megaloblastic anaemia.

Certain medications, malabsorption syndromes, and poor dietary habits can compromise folate status, underscoring the importance of routine monitoring and supplementation for people at risk.

Red flag symptoms for the Folate - Folic acid - Vitamin B9 Blood Test

Even if your blood tests are normal, you should see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms below because they may be a sign of serious underlying illness. 

  • Progressive muscle weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Progressively severe symptoms of any kind

Your Results and Health Dashboard

The results of your Folate - Folic acid - Vitamin B9 Blood Test will be emailed to you as a secured PDF file, ready for your GP and will also be uploaded to our Health Dashboard area of the website. It’s a unique and powerful tool, powered by our in-house clinical analysis research, to match your biomarkers across test panels and symptoms, as well as provide clinical commentary on all individual biomarkers you tested for.

The health dashboard will also provide "panel level" commentary - a birds eye view of the biomarkers that were tested. This feature allows you to view your test results and clinical commentary, and compare them to previous results, giving you a clear understanding of how your health is progressing.

By using the Health Dashboard, you can identify changes in your biomarkers and make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle. This added value is immense, as it empowers you to monitor your health and make informed decisions about your well-being.

It's free and is available with all of our tests.

SAVE ON CONTINUOUS MONITORING WITH OUR SUBSCRIPTION PLAN

The best way to look after your health is to do so regularly. This is easy to do with our continual monitoring plans which give you a discount on future blood tests. You choose the frequency and we'll do the rest.

When you purchase a subscription, we will deliver your home test kits or allow you to book appointments in line with your chosen frequency. You will be able to track your biomarkers over time in our powerful Health Dashboard, where results will be automatically updated for you. There is a minimum of 3 tests with any subscription, after which you can pause/restart/cancel at any time.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Hi, I am Stefania Brown, I am the Laboratory Manager at One Day Tests and here are the lab's special requests for the Folate - Folic acid - Vitamin B9 Blood Test.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

There are no special instructions for this test, you do not need to fast or stop taking your medicine, unless instructed to do so by you prescriber. Please check with them if you are on any prescription medicine.

Clinic appointment - how to prepare for the Folate - Folic acid - Vitamin B9 Blood Test

If you are coming into one of our clinics for the test, this is what you need to do before you arrive:

  • Read the instructions in the SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS section
  • Drink plenty of water about an hour before the appointment.
  • Avoid coffee/tea/energy drinks. Water is good!
  • That’s it! We’ll do the rest.

Home test kit - how it works with the Folate - Folic acid - Vitamin B9 Blood Test

Our blood test kits are simple and convenient.

The most important step in doing a blood test at home is to read the instructions very carefully. The process is very simple, but there are a few pitfalls you need to be aware of - you will save yourself a lot of time if you do it right the first time around!

  • Full printed instructions will arrive with your kit - please read them carefully.
  • Drink plenty before taking the sample and warm your hands up in the sink with warm water for a few minutes. This will make your blood flow much better.
  • Fill the tubes to the top line. We don’t need much blood; filling tubes to the top line is about 15 drops of blood.
  • Post the samples on the same day you take them, before midday, Monday to Thursday. If you post it any other time it might get to us late or be stuck at a sorting office over the weekend. You will then have to do it again.
  • Package the sample in the same box the kit came in. Otherwise, Royal Mail or DPD will reject it. The sample tubes go into a pouch, then into a cardboard box, and then into a return envelope. All of this is provided in the kit: please use it.

We look forward to receiving your sample in our lab!

HOW OUR HOME KITS WORK

How the finger prick home blood test kit for Folate - Folic acid - Vitamin B9 Blood Test works - from Dr. Adam Staten

Follow our step by step instructions on how to take your sample quickly and easily using the blood sample collection finger prick test.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Hello! My name is Dr. Vinesh Mistry, I am part of the GP team here at One Day Tests and here is why you should trust us to test your blood.

QUICK AND ACCURATE RESULTS DIRECT FROM A LABORATORY.

We run our own regulated laboratories and our own accredited clinics. We manufacture our own approved home sample collection kits. Your results are looked after by our fantastic clinical governance team and our super-talented biomedical science team.

When you book your test with us - you book directly with the lab. This means accuracy and responsible duty of care, direct access to the provider and extremely fast turnaround times.

Finally, our customer services rock! You can ask the lab a question any time or you can speak to a real human. You can email us on hello@onedaytests.com or give us a call on 0127 309 2844.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Hi, I am Lana Nela, Lead Nurse, and here is what we are frequently asked about this test.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Folate - Folic acid - Vitamin B9 Blood Test.

What is the difference between folate and folic acid?

Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans, and citrus fruits.

Folic acid, on the other hand, is the synthetic form commonly used in supplements and fortified foods.

Both serve similar biological functions, including supporting DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, though the body’s absorption and utilisation of these forms can vary.

Who is most at risk of folate deficiency?

Certain people face a higher risk of folate deficiency, including pregnant women (due to the increased demands of foetal development), those with malabsorption syndromes (like coeliac disease), and people with diets low in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, some medications, such as anticonvulsants or chemotherapy drugs, can interfere with folate metabolism, further raising the likelihood of deficiency.

How can I boost my folate levels?

Improving your dietary intake is often the first step, prioritising foods like spinach, broccoli, legumes, and fortified cereals.

If you need additional support, supplements containing folic acid may be useful, particularly in pregnancy, to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

WHY HAVE THE TEST?

Hi, I am Nader Eldarf, I am a Biomedical Scientist in our laboratory and here is why it's important to take this test.

  1. WHY HAVE THE FOLATE - FOLIC ACID - VITAMIN B9 BLOOD TEST?

    A folate test is important because it helps you identify inadequate folate levels, which can lead to anemia, fatigue, and impaired cell growth.

    Folate, or vitamin B9, is crucial for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, especially during pregnancy.

    By measuring this, you can action dietary changes or supplements early on, helping you maintain healthy red blood cell production, support optimal baby development, and prevent potential complications arising from low folate.

IS THIS TEST RIGHT FOR YOU?

Hi, I am Sandeep Patel, I am the Laboratory Director at One Day Tests. Here are the symptoms that you may wish to address with this test.

  1. IS THE FOLATE - FOLIC ACID - VITAMIN B9 BLOOD TEST RIGHT FOR YOU?

    People at higher risk of folate deficiency, such as pregnant women, those with malabsorption conditions (like celiac disease), or people adhering to a restrictive diet, should monitor B9 levels with a folic acid blood test.

    Certain medications, including those for seizures or rheumatoid arthritis, may also interfere with folate metabolism, so it is important to keep an eye on the folate levels.

    If you experience persistent fatigue or any signs of anemia, or if you are planning a pregnancy, testing your folic acid levels can help ensure early detection and timely intervention.

  1. SYMPTOMS AND TAGS

    Chronic fatigue, Fatigue, Hair loss, Loss of muscle bulk and Low mood

WHY ARE BLOOD TESTS IMPORTANT?

Health monitoring is very important, you are in charge of your health - look after it.