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Folic Acid CMIA Serum Test
No special precautions
Sample Type
Blood
Recommended for
Male, Female
Report
Within 24 Hours
Blood test at Home
NABL & CAP Accredited Labs
Accurate & Quality Test Reports
Trusted by Leading Doctors & Hospitals
Folic Acid CMIA Serum Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Folate Test, Vitamin B9 Test, Folate (Serum) Test |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To measure folic acid (Vitamin B9) levels and assess nutritional health or causes of anaemia |
| Preparation | Fasting for 8–10 hours required |
| Fasting | Mandatory |
| Reporting Time | After 6 hours |
| Cost | 1,400 |
What Is a Folic Acid Test?
A Folic Acid Test is a simple blood test that measures the level of folic acid (Vitamin B9) in your blood to diagnose folate deficiency, identify the cause of megaloblastic anaemia, and assess nutritional health, especially in pregnant women. Folic acid plays a crucial role in the production of new cells, red blood cells, and DNA formation
It is often done alongside a Vitamin B12 test, as both nutrients work together for normal blood and nerve function. The test requires a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, usually after fasting for 8–10 hours.
What Does a Folic Acid Test Measure?
The folic acid test evaluates the concentration of Vitamin B9 in your blood to help your doctor understand your body’s nutritional and haematological status:
- Folate Deficiency Detection: Identifies low Vitamin B9 levels that can cause anaemia and fatigue.
- Anaemia Diagnosis: Helps determine if megaloblastic anaemia is caused by folate deficiency.
- Nutritional Assessment: Evaluates your overall diet quality, especially in people with poor nutrition or malabsorption issues.
- Pregnancy Health: Ensures sufficient folate levels to prevent neural tube defects in babies.
- Treatment Monitoring: Tracks response to folic acid supplementation.
- Homocysteine Evaluation: Helps identify causes of elevated homocysteine levels linked to heart and brain diseases.
Folic Acid Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done
What Symptoms May Call for a Folic Acid Test?
You may need a folic acid test if you have symptoms of folate deficiency such as:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Pale skin or shortness of breath
- Sore or red tongue
- Mouth ulcers or cracks at the corners of your mouth
- Headaches, irritability, or poor concentration
- Memory problems or depression
Who Should Get a Folic Acid Test?
- Individuals showing signs of anaemia or chronic fatigue
- Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy
- People with malnutrition or poor dietary intake
- Patients with malabsorption syndromes (e.g., coeliac disease)
- Individuals with alcohol dependence or liver disease
- Those undergoing haemodialysis or on medications that affect folate levels (e.g., phenytoin, methotrexate, oral contraceptives)
Why Is a Folic Acid Test Done?
The folic acid test helps diagnose folate deficiency and related anaemias, assess nutritional health, and monitor treatment effectiveness. It also supports prenatal health by ensuring adequate folate levels for foetal development.
Importance of a Folic Acid Test
Folic acid is vital for healthy blood and nervous system function. A folic acid test helps your doctor detect deficiencies that can lead to serious health concerns such as megaloblastic anaemia, fatigue, and birth defects in developing babies.
Detecting folate deficiency early allows prompt dietary correction or supplementation, improving energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health. For pregnant women, it’s an essential part of routine prenatal screening.
Folic Acid Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare
How to Book the Folic Acid Test and Get Your Reports
- Simple Online Booking
Book the Folic Acid Test through the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. Choose your preferred slot and provide your address for convenient home collection. You may also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab for sample submission. - Safe Home Sample Collection
Our trained phlebotomists ensure hygienic and professional home sample collection. - Sample Tracking Updates
Track your test status from collection to reporting on the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is tested at NABL & CAP accredited laboratories using Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) for accurate and reliable results. - Quick & Easy Reports
Receive your test report within hours via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading it directly from the Metropolis Healthcare app or website.
Is Home Sample Collection for Folic Acid Test Available Near You?
Yes. Metropolis Healthcare offers home collection for the Folic Acid Test. Our team ensures safe, professional, and timely collection at your convenience, helping you avoid travel or clinic queues.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Folic Acid Test Report?
Reports are usually available within 6 hours once the sample reaches the laboratory.
Note: Reporting time and cost may vary based on your location.
Where Can I See or Get Folic Acid Test Results?
You can access your test results through the Metropolis Healthcare App, website, or via email and WhatsApp. You can also collect a printed copy from your nearest Metropolis lab.
Interpreting Folic Acid Test Results
What Your Folic Acid Test Results May Indicate
| Parameter | Normal Range | High Values May Indicate | Low Values May Indicate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid (Serum) | 3.1 – 17.5 ng/mL | High folate intake or supplementation | Folate deficiency, malnutrition, liver disease, alcoholism, haemodialysis, pregnancy deficiency, or malabsorption |
Understanding Abnormal Folic Acid Test Results by Parameter
| Result Type | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Low Folic Acid | Suggests folate deficiency due to poor diet, malabsorption, alcoholism, or medications. |
| Very Low Folic Acid | Indicates megaloblastic anaemia or high-risk pregnancy due to deficiency. |
| Normal Range | Reflects healthy folate levels and good nutritional status. |
| High Folic Acid | Usually from supplementation or fortified foods; may mask Vitamin B12 deficiency. |
How Should You Prepare for a Folic Acid Test?
Proper preparation helps ensure accurate results:
- Fasting required: Avoid food and drink (except water) for at least 8–10 hours before the test.
- Medication disclosure: Tell your doctor about all medications, especially anticonvulsants, methotrexate, oral contraceptives, and antibiotics like chloramphenicol.
- Avoid alcohol: Refrain from alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test, as it affects folate levels.
- Dietary advice: Do not take folic acid supplements for 24 hours before sample collection unless advised by your doctor.
- Stay hydrated: You may drink plain water during fasting.
How Is a Folic Acid Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
The Folic Acid Test is a simple and safe blood collection process:
- Preparation: A tourniquet is tied around your upper arm to highlight veins.
- Cleaning: The site is cleaned with antiseptic.
- Blood Draw: A sterile needle is inserted into your vein to collect the blood sample.
- Collection: About 2 ml of blood is drawn into a gel vacutainer.
- Completion: The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
- Processing: Your sample is analysed using ECLIA technology to measure serum folic acid levels accurately.
Conditions That May Affect Folic Acid Test Accuracy
Certain factors may alter test results:
- High-dose biotin (more than 5 mg daily) can interfere with results; stop 8 hours before the test.
- Medications such as methotrexate, phenytoin, and oral contraceptives may lower folic acid levels.
- Recent alcohol intake can reduce serum folate levels.
- Liver disease or haemodialysis can affect folate metabolism.
- Improper fasting or supplement intake before the test may give inaccurate readings.
Diseases That a Folic Acid Test Can Help Detect
A Folic Acid Test helps diagnose and monitor several health conditions:
- Folate deficiency
- Megaloblastic anaemia
- Malnutrition
- Pregnancy-related neural tube defects
- Liver disease
- Alcohol dependence
- Malabsorption syndromes (e.g., coeliac disease)
- Hyperhomocysteinaemia
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 Test Price in Different Cities
The cost of a Folic Acid Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the Folic Acid Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:
|
City |
Approximate Cost (INR) |
|
₹ 1000 to ₹ 1500 |
|
|
₹ 1000 to ₹ 1500 |
|
|
₹ 1000 to ₹ 1500 |
|
|
₹ 1000 to ₹ 1500 |
Folic Acid Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive Folic Acid Test prices across major cities in India.
References
- Green, R., & Miller, J.W. (2011). Vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 364(14), 1363–1374. PMID: 21428766
- Bailey, L.B., & Gregory, J.F. (1999). Folate metabolism and requirements. Journal of Nutrition, 129(4), 779–782. PMID: 10203548
- Antony, A.C. (2003). Megaloblastic anemias. New England Journal of Medicine, 349(5), 483–492. PMID: 12890843
- Obeid, R., & Herrmann, W. (2012). Causes and early diagnosis of folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Dtsch Arztebl Int, 109(40), 566–572. PMID: 23118728
- Pfeiffer, C.M., et al. (2015). Laboratory methods for folate and vitamin B12 measurement. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 101(2), 401S–411S. PMID: 25527707
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
The test is usually done in the morning after an overnight fast of 8–10 hours.
Yes. You must fast for 8–10 hours before the test; only plain water is allowed.
Mild dehydration usually does not affect results, but staying hydrated ensures smooth sample collection.
Avoid folate-rich foods or supplements for 24 hours before testing and inform your doctor about any medications you take.
A blood sample (about 2 ml) is drawn from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle; the process takes only a few minutes.
Minimal risks such as slight pain, bruising, or dizziness may occur at the puncture site.
A normal serum folate level ranges from 3.1 to 17.5 ng/mL. Levels below 3 ng/mL suggest deficiency.
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We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.
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