Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (FRAT)
Private FRAT blood test in London for £550, assessing folate receptor autoantibodies with specialist laboratory results in around 8 weeks.
Turnaround time
8 weeks
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test FRAT
The Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (FRAT) is a highly specialised blood test used to detect autoantibodies directed against folate receptors, which are involved in transporting folate into cells and tissues.
The test contains 1 specialist biomarker: Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (FRAT).
Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, red blood-cell production, methylation pathways and normal nervous-system function.
Folate receptors help move folate across cell membranes and into tissues where it is required.
In some individuals, the immune system produces autoantibodies that recognise folate receptors. These antibodies may interfere with receptor function or folate transport and can therefore be relevant in selected neurological, developmental or metabolic investigations.
FRAT is fundamentally different from a routine Folate blood test.
A standard Folate measurement assesses the amount of Folate circulating in blood, whereas FRAT investigates whether an immune-mediated process involving folate receptors may be present.
This means a person can potentially have an apparently satisfactory blood Folate concentration while a specialist clinician is investigating a different question concerning folate transport.
FRAT has been discussed particularly in specialist investigation of cerebral folate transport abnormalities and selected complex neurological or developmental presentations.
However, it is not a routine screening test, and a positive result does not independently diagnose cerebral folate deficiency, autism, neurological disease or another specific medical condition.
The test should therefore be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, Folate and Vitamin B12 status, medication, nutritional intake and any other investigations recommended by the clinician managing the case.
Because this is a specialist send-away immunology test, results take considerably longer than routine blood markers.
What Does the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test Check ?
The FRAT test addresses a very specific immunological question: whether autoantibodies directed against folate receptors are detectable according to the specialist laboratory's assay and reporting criteria. This test measures 1 specialist biomarker.
Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (FRAT)
Detects autoantibodies directed against folate receptors, providing specialist information about a possible immune-mediated effect on folate transport.
Who May Benefit From the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test ?
FRAT is generally most appropriate when a GP, neurologist, paediatrician, metabolic specialist or other clinician has identified a specific reason to investigate folate receptor autoantibodies.
People specifically advised to have FRAT testing by a specialist - The test has the greatest clinical value when it answers a defined question within a broader diagnostic assessment.
People undergoing specialist investigation of suspected folate transport abnormalities - FRAT may provide additional information where the concern relates to folate delivery into tissues rather than simply circulating Folate concentration.
People undergoing neurological investigations where folate metabolism is being considered - Folate receptor autoantibodies may occasionally form part of a broader neurological assessment.
People undergoing investigation of suspected cerebral folate deficiency under specialist care - FRAT can provide supplementary immunological information but cannot diagnose the condition by itself.
People with complex nutritional or metabolic investigations - Folate receptor autoantibody testing may complement routine Folate, Vitamin B12 and related biochemical markers.
People with a previous positive or equivocal FRAT result - Repeat testing may occasionally be requested to assess whether the antibody finding remains detectable.
People who require specialist private access to FRAT testing - The assay is considerably more specialised than standard nutritional blood testing.
How to Prepare
FRAT usually requires little day-to-day preparation, but medication and supplement information is important because the test is interpreted within the wider context of folate metabolism and treatment.
Do not stop medically required Folate or Vitamin B12 treatment simply to alter the FRAT result unless your specialist has specifically instructed you to do so.
Because FRAT is a specialist immunology assay, follow any additional specimen or preparation instructions supplied with your booking.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test
There is no single symptom pattern that specifically identifies folate receptor autoantibodies. Testing should therefore be guided by the wider clinical picture rather than symptoms alone.
A specialist concern about impaired folate transport - FRAT can help investigate an immune-mediated mechanism affecting folate receptors.
Neurological symptoms being investigated by a specialist - The test may occasionally be incorporated into a broader neurological work-up where folate transport is relevant.
Complex developmental concerns under specialist assessment - FRAT may be requested in selected cases, but it should not be used as a standalone developmental diagnostic test.
A previous unexplained FRAT abnormality - Repeat testing may help establish whether the finding persists.
Unexpected clinical findings despite apparently satisfactory routine Folate levels - A clinician may occasionally investigate folate transport rather than circulating Folate alone.
A suspected cerebral folate-related disorder - FRAT can provide one piece of laboratory information within a much broader diagnostic process.
These concerns can have many different explanations, and FRAT should not be used to attribute complex neurological, behavioural or developmental symptoms to folate receptor autoantibodies without appropriate specialist assessment.
New neurological deterioration, seizures, significant developmental regression or other concerning neurological symptoms require direct medical assessment rather than relying on a private blood-test result alone.
How to Book Your Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private access to this specialist assay with professional venous sample collection and secure reporting.
Choose the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (FRAT)
Select the specialist FRAT blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an appropriate in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy service depending on location, age and sample requirements.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous blood specimen and records relevant clinical or supplement information.
Laboratory analysis
Your sample is sent for specialist immunology analysis of folate receptor autoantibodies.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised laboratory result is delivered securely and can be reviewed with the GP, consultant or specialist managing the investigation.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current expected turnaround time for the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (FRAT) is approximately 8 weeks after the specialist laboratory receives your sample.
This is substantially longer than routine Folate, Vitamin B12 or Full Blood Count testing because FRAT is a specialist immunological investigation performed through a dedicated laboratory pathway.
The sample must undergo specialist processing, antibody analysis, laboratory quality assurance and result authorisation before the report can be released.
The turnaround period begins from laboratory receipt rather than necessarily from the date on which your blood is collected.
Specialist referral schedules, additional analytical review, quality-control requirements or the occasional need to repeat an assay can extend reporting beyond the estimated timeframe.
Because of the long specialist turnaround, FRAT should not be used where urgent neurological assessment is required.
Understanding Your Results
The laboratory report will indicate whether folate receptor autoantibodies have been detected according to the assay's reporting criteria.
A result reported as negative means the relevant folate receptor autoantibody activity was not identified at a level considered positive by the analysing laboratory.
A negative result does not exclude every disorder affecting Folate metabolism, cellular Folate utilisation or neurological function.
A positive result indicates detectable folate receptor autoantibodies.
This may support the possibility of an immune-mediated effect on folate receptor function, but it does not independently prove that the antibodies are responsible for a person's symptoms.
It also does not independently diagnose cerebral folate deficiency or another neurological condition.
Interpretation may require consideration of Folate status, Vitamin B12, Homocysteine, symptoms, neurological findings and other specialist investigations.
Treatment decisions, including the use of Folinic Acid or other forms of Folate, should be made by the clinician responsible for the individual's care rather than based solely on a private laboratory result.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
FRAT is a specialised assay that is not routinely included in standard nutritional panels, making access to an appropriate specialist laboratory pathway particularly important.
Private specialist FRAT testing - Access a dedicated folate receptor autoantibody investigation privately.
Appropriate for specialist referrals - The assay can support neurological, metabolic or folate-transport investigations where specifically requested.
Different from routine Folate testing - FRAT assesses autoantibodies rather than simply measuring circulating Folate.
Professional venous sample collection - Appropriate blood collection can be arranged according to laboratory requirements.
Specialist laboratory analysis - Samples are processed through an appropriate specialist testing pathway.
Secure reporting - Receive your authorised laboratory result confidentially.
Clinic and home collection options - Flexible phlebotomy options may be available depending on suitability.
Clear pricing - The Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (FRAT) costs £550.
Private Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private access to the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test for people requiring specialist assessment of folate receptor autoantibodies.
The test costs £550 and measures one specialist biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 8 weeks after laboratory receipt.
FRAT should be regarded as a specialist supplementary investigation rather than a routine Folate test or standalone neurological diagnosis.