Folate (Red Cell) Test | London Blood Tests UK

Assess long-term folate status with our Folate (Red Cell) Test from £68. UKAS-accredited results, optional GP interpretation, fast turnaround, nationwide service.

The Folate (Red Cell) Blood Test measures the amount of folate (vitamin B9) inside red blood cells, reflecting long-term folate status over the past 120 days. Available for £68, analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory, with results typically ready within 5 business days and optional GP consultation available for personalised interpretation.

What is a Folate (Red Cell) Blood Test?

Folate (Vitamin B9) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation. While serum (plasma) folate reflects very recent intake, red cell folate provides a more stable indicator of tissue folate stores over the lifespan of red blood cells (~120 days).

The Folate (Red Cell) Test measures the folate contained within erythrocytes, which is not influenced by short-term dietary changes or recent supplementation. This makes it particularly useful for identifying true folate deficiency, differentiating it from transient low serum levels due to recent diet. Folate deficiency can impair DNA synthesis, lead to megaloblastic anaemia, and is especially critical during pregnancy due to its role in neural tube development.

At London Blood Tests, our laboratory uses validated immunoassay or microbiological methods to accurately quantify red cell folate levels, ensuring clinically reliable results under UKAS accreditation.

Benefits of the Folate (Red Cell) Blood Test

1. Reflects Long-Term Folate Status
   Unlike serum folate, red cell folate measures folate stores over several months, giving a more stable and reliable assessment of folate nutritional status.

2. Helps Diagnose Folate Deficiency
   Detects true deficiency caused by inadequate intake, malabsorption (e.g., coeliac disease), increased requirements (e.g., pregnancy), or chronic alcoholism.

3. Supports Anaemia Investigation
   Folate deficiency causes megaloblastic anaemia — enlarged red cells with impaired DNA synthesis. This test helps differentiate it from iron deficiency or B12 deficiency anaemia.

4. Essential in Pregnancy
   Folate is critical for neural tube formation during foetal development. Monitoring red cell folate ensures adequate tissue stores to reduce risk of neural tube defects.

5. Useful for Medication Monitoring
   Certain medications (e.g., methotrexate, antiepileptics) can interfere with folate metabolism. Red cell folate testing helps monitor long-term impact.

6. Guides Nutritional and Supplement Recommendations
   Results can support tailored dietary advice or supplement plans to optimise folate status based on individual needs.

7. Optional GP Consultation for Interpretation
   Your results can be reviewed with a GP who will interpret folate levels in the context of your symptoms, other blood tests, and health history.

Why Do I Need a Folate (Red Cell) Blood Test?

You may need this test if you have symptoms or risk factors associated with folate deficiency, including:

• Fatigue, weakness, or pallor

• Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat

• Glossitis (smooth or sore tongue)

• Poor concentration or memory difficulties

• Neurological symptoms (less common, but can overlap with B12 deficiency)

• Heavy alcohol consumption

• Malabsorption conditions (coeliac disease, Crohn’s)

• Pregnancy or planning pregnancy

This test helps distinguish true folate deficiency from short-term low serum levels and gives your clinician a more accurate picture of your folate status over time. It’s particularly important for women planning pregnancy or with a history of neural tube defects.

How the Test Works

In-Clinic Blood Test

1. Book Your Appointment

   • Schedule online or by phone — no referral needed.

   • You’ll be advised to fast for 8–12 hours prior to sample collection if other tests are being combined.

2. Pre-Test Preparation

   • Avoid high-folate foods and supplements for 24–48 hours before testing if instructed by your clinician.

3. Sample Collection

   • A qualified phlebotomist draws a small venous blood sample (about 2–3 mL).

   • The process is quick (5–10 minutes) and minimally invasive.

4. Sample Handling

   • The sample is labelled, logged, and transported to a UKAS-accredited laboratory with temperature control.

5. Laboratory Analysis

   • Folate inside red blood cells is quantified using validated immunoassay or microbiological techniques.

6. Quality Control and Verification

   • All results undergo strict internal and external quality checks for accuracy.

7. Results Delivery

   • Results are typically ready within 5 business days, delivered securely via email or your online portal.

8. Optional GP Consultation

   • You can book a GP review to interpret the results, correlate with symptoms, and plan follow-up or supplementation.

At-Home Blood Draw (Home or Hotel Service)

1. Book a Home Appointment

   • Choose a time and location (home, office, hotel) that suits you.

2. Professional Phlebotomist Visit

   • A certified phlebotomist arrives with sterile, single-use equipment.

3. Sample Collection On-Site

   • A venous blood sample is collected under professional, hygienic conditions.

4. Secure Transport to Laboratory

   • The sample is packaged appropriately and couriered the same day to the UKAS-accredited lab.

5. Analysis & Reporting

   • Red cell folate is measured, quality assured, and results issued within 5 business days.

6. Optional GP Follow-Up

   • You may choose a GP consultation to discuss results and health implications.

Your Folate (Red Cell) Results – Explained

Red cell folate results are measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) or nanomoles per litre (nmol/L), depending on laboratory standards. Because folate is stored inside red blood cells, this test provides a snapshot of folate stores over the previous 3–4 months.

Typical Reference Ranges (UK Standard)

• Normal: 305–1360 nmol/L (or equivalent depending on lab assay)

• Low: < 305 nmol/L — suggests folate deficiency

• Borderline: 305–400 nmol/L — may warrant clinical correlation

• High: > upper limit — may reflect supplementation or rare metabolic conditions

Interpretation Points:

• Low or borderline values may indicate inadequate intake, malabsorption, or increased demand (e.g., pregnancy).

• Very high folate is usually reflective of supplementation and is not typically harmful on its own but should be interpreted in the context of B12 status.

• Folate deficiency should always be differentiated from vitamin B12 deficiency, which can coexist and requires separate testing.

Your clinician or an optional GP consultation can help interpret your results, recommend dietary adjustments, and advise on appropriate supplementation.