Folic Acid CMIA Serum Test
50+ booked in last 3 daysFolic Acid Test Overview
Folic Acid CMIA test of the serum is a simple, sensitive, and cost-effective method for the quantification of folic acid/folate levels in the blood of a person. Folic Acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential vitamin that helps your body make new healthy cells and genetic material including DNA.
A Folic Acid Serum test measures the level of folic acid in the blood.
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is important for the formation of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Low levels of folic acid can lead to a condition called folate deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. Abnormal results may be caused by poor diet, certain medical conditions, or the use of certain medications.
Associated Tests:
Vitamin B Complex Profile
Vitamin Profile
RBC Folate EDTA Whole Blood
Written by : Supriya Kulkarni, Lead-Content & Training
Reasons for Undergoing the Folic Acid Test
Folic acid is crucial for overall health, especially in supporting red blood cell production and proper nerve function. The folic acid test, often referred to as the folate test, is an important diagnostic tool that measures the level of folic acid in the blood.
This test provides valuable insights into an individual's nutritional status and is commonly conducted for various reasons, including:
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To check for folic acid deficiency, which can lead to various health issues
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To diagnose anaemia, particularly megaloblastic anaemia, caused by folate deficiency
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To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for low folate or vitamin B12 levels
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To evaluate neurological symptoms that may be related to folic acid deficiency
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For pregnant women or those planning pregnancy, to ensure adequate folic acid levels and prevent neural tube defects
List of Parameters Considered During the Folic Acid Test
When conducting a folic acid test, healthcare professionals measure specific parameters to determine an individual's folic acid status. These parameters include:
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Serum Folate Levels: This measures the current availability of folic acid in the blood serum, indicating whether the levels are within the normal range.
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Red Blood Cell (RBC) Folate Levels: This assesses the amount of folic acid stored in the red blood cells, providing a longer-term indication of folic acid status due to the 120-day lifespan of RBCs.
Home Collection for Folic Acid Test Near You
Metropolis Healthcare provides a convenient home sample collection service for the folic acid test, ensuring that you can undergo this essential diagnostic test from the comfort and safety of your home. A trained phlebotomist will come to your doorstep to collect the necessary blood samples, ensuring proper handling and accurate results. Choosing home collection helps you save time and effort while upholding the highest quality standards for the test.
Metropolis Healthcare is committed to improving access to healthcare and providing reliable diagnostic services, ensuring that your folate blood test will be carried out with the highest level of professionalism and care.
Folic Acid CMIA Serum Test Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Folic Acid CMIA Serum Test with a clear pricing structure. The Folic Acid CMIA Serum Test Price in Mumbai is ₹ 1,400. We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Folic acid test can detect symptoms of anemia including:
- Pale skin
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Rapid heart rate
- Confusion
These symptoms are quite common and can resemble other conditions. A correct diagnosis will help you get personalized treatment and prevent the overuse of medicines.
Your doctor may ask you to get your folic acid levels tested if you are showing symptoms of folic acid deficiency, such as:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen, red tongue
- A lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Numbness
- Difficulty in walking
- Memory loss
Also, you can be advised to take this test if you have an intestinal disorder, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.
One of the important indications to take this test is for women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. An adequate amount of folic acid is crucial for a healthy nervous system, averting birth defects and promoting normal development of the fetus.
Apart from these, the test can determine whether your treatment of folic acid deficiency is working well or not.
However, it is important to note that symptoms of folic acid deficiency are very similar to the symptoms of other blood conditions. See your doctor for correct diagnosis, he will ask for blood tests to check your folic acid along with other blood tests like complete blood count.
Always remember to tell your doctor about your ongoing therapies and medications.
Folic acid is naturally found in spinach, cereals, rice, broccoli, orange, peanuts, etc. The normal range of the folic acid level in plasma varies with age.
Acceptable normal levels of folic acid are:
- Adults - 4.5-45.3 nmol/L
- Children - 11.3-47.6 nmol/L
- Infants - 31.7-115.5 nmol/L
Folic acid is vital for the production of healthy red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to the entire body, hence, are important for maintaining overall health. Additionally, folic acid acts as a coenzyme in the synthesis of DNA & RNA, used in the metabolism of amino acids.
Folic acid due to its function in cell and tissue growth as well as the formation of DNA is essential for the normal development of a fetus. Hence, it is especially essential for women who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant. Its deficiency in pregnant women can result in spinal cord birth defects, cleft lip, cleft palate, etc. Therefore, recommendations suggest that women should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant.
In normal adults, folic acid deficiency can occur if an individual is not consuming enough folic acid. Though mild folic acid deficiency normally does not cause any symptoms, severe folic acid deficiency can lead to diarrhea, fatigue, and a sore tongue, and in more serious cases, anemia.
Other causes of deficiency of folic acid include:
- Malabsorption because of diseases related to stomach and intestine
- Improper utilization of folic acid due to enzyme deficiencies, drugs such as alcohol and oral contraceptives
- Extreme demand for folic acid, such as during pregnancy.
- Folic acid serum test is done to assess the levels of folic acid in the blood.
- This test is used to diagnose and monitor folate deficiency anemia, which is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough folic acid.
- The test is also used to monitor the response to folic acid treatment.
- Additionally, it is also done as a routine test in pregnant women as folic acid is important in the development of the baby's nervous system.
- It is also used to screen for certain types of cancer and other medical conditions that can affect folic acid levels in the blood.
- The test can be used to help identify the cause of certain symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and anemia.
There are several groups of people who may be recommended to have a Folic Acid Serum test done, these include:
- Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: to check for deficiency and to monitor the response to folic acid treatment.
- Individuals with symptoms of folate deficiency anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
- Individuals with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications that can affect folic acid levels, such as malabsorption disorders, certain types of cancer, or medications that affect folate metabolism.
- Individuals with a history of alcohol abuse, as alcohol can interfere with folic acid metabolism and increase the risk of deficiency.
- Elderly individuals, as they may be at a higher risk of folic acid deficiency due to poor diet or malabsorption.
Folic Acid Serum test measures the level of folic acid in the blood.
This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.
An abnormal Folic Acid Serum test result may indicate a deficiency in folic acid, also known as vitamin B9. Low levels of folic acid can lead to a condition called folate deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. The deficiency can also cause other complications such as birth defects in pregnant women and in extreme cases, cancer. Abnormal results may be caused by poor diet, certain medical conditions, or the use of certain medications. Some medical conditions that can cause low folic acid levels include malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, as well as certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Certain medications, such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can also interfere with the body's ability to absorb or use folic acid.
The Folic Acid Test, or folate test, measures the levels of folic acid (vitamin B9) in the blood. It is used to check folic acid deficiency and ensure an adequate level of this crucial vitamin, which plays a vital role in red blood cell production and in DNA synthesis.
The Folic Acid Test is essential because it helps diagnose and manage folic acid deficiency, which can lead to serious health issues such as anaemia, neurological problems, and an increased risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy.
Low folic acid levels can lead to anaemia (particularly megaloblastic anaemia), poor red blood cell production, neurological symptoms (pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling), and an increased risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy.
The Folic Acid Test detects the levels of folic acid in the blood and red blood cells, helping to identify whether an individual has a deficiency, adequate levels, or excessive levels of folic acid.
High levels of folic acid in the blood are usually due to excessive supplementation or intake of folic acid through diet or supplements. This is less common but can occur in individuals taking high doses of folic acid.
Normal folic acid levels typically range from 2.7 to 17.0 nanogrammes per millilitre (ng/mL) or 6.12 to 38.52 nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). However, normal ranges can vary slightly among different laboratories.
For adults, the recommended daily intake of folic acid is 400 microgrammes (mcg). Pregnant women should take at least 600 mcg per day to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Some women may require more based on their health history and the healthcare provider's recommendations.
No, B12 (vitamin B12) and folic acid (vitamin B9) are not the same, although they often work together in the body and are frequently tested together. Both vitamins are crucial for red blood cell production and DNA synthesis, but they have different functions, and deficiencies can lead to different health issues.
Folic acid testing is relevant across various age groups, especially pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy, individuals with symptoms of anemia or neuropathy, older adults with potential malabsorption problems, and individuals suffering from certain medical conditions or using medications that could impact folic acid levels.
The Folic Acid Test is a highly accurate diagnostic tool for identifying folic acid deficiency, especially when interpreted along with clinical symptoms and other relevant tests. By measuring serum and RBC folate levels, it provides a complete assessment of the body's folic acid status.
Yes, several medications can affect folic acid test results, including alcohol, aminosalicylic acid, birth control pills, oestrogens, tetracyclines, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, methotrexate, penicillin, aminopterin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and drugs to treat malaria.
Untreated folic acid deficiency can lead to ongoing anemia, neurological damage, an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, impaired cognitive function, and, in pregnant women, may lead to neural tube defects like spina bifida.
While the primary purpose of the Folic Acid Test is to detect folic acid deficiency, it can also provide insights into other conditions such as malabsorption syndromes (e.g., coeliac sprue), malnutrition, and certain liver or kidney conditions that affect folic acid levels.
The benefits of a folate blood test include early detection of folic acid deficiency, assessing treatment effectiveness, evaluating neurological symptoms, and ensuring sufficient folic acid levels during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. It is a crucial diagnostic tool for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Yes, it is generally advised to fast for 6 to 8 hours before taking the folic acid test. However, it is important to check with your healthcare provider or the testing lab for any specific guidelines.
Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers home sample collection for the folic acid test. A trained phlebotomist will visit your doorstep to collect the required blood samples, ensuring your comfort and convenience without compromising on the quality of the test.
Folic acid test results are available after 6 hours, depending on the day/time of sample collection. Metropolis Healthcare is committed to delivering timely and accurate results for all diagnostic tests.
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