Folate (Vitamin B9)
Private Folate (Vitamin B9) blood test in London for £49, measuring one vitamin marker with results in around 1 business day.
Turnaround time
1 day
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Folate (Vitamin B9)
The Folate (Vitamin B9) blood test measures the concentration of folate in the blood to help assess vitamin B9 status.
Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin required for DNA synthesis, normal cell division and healthy red blood cell production. It is particularly important in tissues with rapid cell turnover, including the bone marrow.
The test contains 1 biomarker: Vitamin B9.
Folate is obtained naturally from foods including green leafy vegetables, pulses, beans, fortified cereals and certain fruits. Folic acid is the synthetic form commonly used in supplements and fortified foods.
Low folate can impair normal red blood cell formation and contribute to megaloblastic anaemia. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, breathlessness and reduced exercise tolerance, although these features are not specific to folate deficiency.
Reduced levels can result from inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, increased physiological requirements or certain medicines.
Folate and Vitamin B12 are often considered together because deficiency of either vitamin can produce macrocytic or megaloblastic blood changes.
Importantly, high-dose folic acid can improve the anaemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency without correcting the neurological consequences of B12 deficiency. Results should therefore be interpreted within the wider nutritional and haematological picture.
What Does the Folate (Vitamin B9) Test Check?
This test measures 1 biomarker.
Vitamin B9
Measures circulating folate to support assessment of folate status. Reduced concentrations may occur with inadequate intake, increased requirements or malabsorption and can contribute to megaloblastic anaemia.
Who May Benefit From the Folate (Vitamin B9) Test?
This test may be suitable for people with symptoms, dietary factors or previous blood abnormalities that raise concern about folate deficiency.
People with unexplained fatigue - Folate deficiency can contribute to anaemia and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
People with macrocytosis - An increased mean cell volume may prompt investigation of folate and Vitamin B12 status.
People with suspected megaloblastic anaemia - Folate is essential for normal red blood cell development.
People following a restrictive diet - Limited intake of folate-rich foods can increase the risk of deficiency.
People with possible malabsorption - Gastrointestinal conditions affecting nutrient absorption can reduce folate status.
People with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms - Chronic diarrhoea or intestinal disease may prompt wider nutritional investigation.
People taking medicines that affect folate metabolism - Certain prescribed treatments can interfere with folate pathways and may require monitoring.
People with a previous low folate result - Repeat testing can help determine whether folate status has improved.
Specialist-requested nutritional testing - The test can be arranged privately where a GP, gastroenterologist, haematologist or other clinician has requested folate measurement.
How to Prepare
Do not stop prescribed folic acid simply to obtain a lower laboratory result unless specifically advised by the clinician responsible for your care.
Folate results are most informative when interpreted alongside dietary history, supplementation and other haematology or nutritional markers.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Folate (Vitamin B9) Test
You may wish to consider the Folate (Vitamin B9) test where symptoms or previous blood results suggest anaemia or nutritional deficiency.
Persistent fatigue - Anaemia associated with folate deficiency can contribute to tiredness and reduced stamina.
Weakness - Reduced red blood cell production may contribute to general weakness.
Shortness of breath on exertion - Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery during physical activity.
Pale skin - Pallor can occur with clinically significant anaemia.
Dizziness or light-headedness - These symptoms can occur when haemoglobin is reduced but have many other causes.
Sore or inflamed tongue - Glossitis can occur with folate and other nutritional deficiencies.
Previous high MCV result - Macrocytosis may lead to investigation of folate and Vitamin B12.
Poor dietary intake - A diet low in vegetables, pulses and fortified foods may increase deficiency risk.
These symptoms are non-specific and can occur with many nutritional, haematological, endocrine and systemic conditions.
Folate should usually be considered alongside Vitamin B12 and Full Blood Count findings where anaemia or macrocytosis is being investigated.
Significant breathlessness, chest pain, collapse or severe weakness requires appropriate medical assessment rather than relying on routine nutritional testing.
How to Book Your Folate (Vitamin B9) Test
Booking your Folate (Vitamin B9) test with London Blood Tests is simple and designed to fit around your schedule.
Choose the Folate (Vitamin B9)
Select the Folate (Vitamin B9) test online and review the included vitamin biomarker before booking.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw (+£35) or a home or hotel phlebotomy visit (+£60) where a qualified phlebotomist collects your sample.
Attend your appointment
A trained professional will collect the required venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your sample is sent to the laboratory, where Vitamin B9 is measured.
Receive your results securely
Your results are sent securely by email, ready to review yourself or discuss with a GP or other suitably qualified healthcare professional.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected turnaround time for the Folate (Vitamin B9) test is approximately 1 business day after your sample arrives at the laboratory.
Results are sent securely once laboratory analysis and authorisation are complete.
Additional checks or repeat analysis may occasionally extend the expected turnaround.
Understanding Your Results
A low folate result may indicate inadequate folate availability.
Possible causes include reduced dietary intake, malabsorption, increased requirements and certain medicines.
Interpretation should consider whether Vitamin B12 deficiency is also present because both conditions can produce macrocytosis and megaloblastic anaemia.
A result within the laboratory reference interval generally indicates adequate circulating folate at the time of testing.
Higher concentrations are commonly associated with supplementation or a folate-rich diet and are not normally interpreted in the same way as deficiency.
Reference intervals vary between laboratories.
Results should therefore be interpreted according to the laboratory report and alongside Full Blood Count, MCV, Vitamin B12, symptoms and dietary history.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private folate testing in London - Access targeted Vitamin B9 measurement through London Blood Tests.
Targeted nutritional assessment - Measure folate independently without booking a broad health profile.
Relevant to anaemia investigation - Folate can form part of the assessment of macrocytic or megaloblastic anaemia.
Useful alongside Vitamin B12 testing - Both nutrients are important for normal red blood cell production.
Fast laboratory turnaround - Results are expected approximately 1 business day after the sample reaches the laboratory.
Clinic and home visit options - Choose an in-clinic blood draw or arrange home or hotel phlebotomy depending on availability.
Secure results by email - Receive your authorised laboratory result securely.
Clear pricing before booking - The Folate (Vitamin B9) test is priced at £49, with sample collection charges shown separately.
Private Folate (Vitamin B9) Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides the Folate (Vitamin B9) blood test in London for people requiring targeted assessment of folate status.
The test costs £49 and measures one biomarker: Vitamin B9.
Testing may be useful when folate deficiency, macrocytosis, anaemia or nutritional insufficiency is being investigated.
Clinic appointments are available alongside home and hotel phlebotomy depending on location and availability.
Results are typically available approximately 1 business day after the laboratory receives the sample.