AI Doctor

MTHFR Common Variants

Genetic Testing
320.60

The MTHFR Common Variants test identifies genetic changes that affect folate metabolism and methylation pathways. It helps explain elevated homocysteine, nutrient deficiencies, and related health risks.

Turnaround time

3 weeks

Biomarkers count

1

Same-Day Appointments
UKAS Accredited Labs

Book your test

Under 18? Patients under 18 can only be seen at GB Medlabs and Clinilabs, Monday to Friday only.
1
Email
2
Service
3
Details
4
Confirm
{{ emailError }}
Choose Service Type
Home visit

Professional phlebotomist comes to you

+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}

In clinic

Visit our clinic for your test

{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}

Home Visit Details
{{ homeAddressError }}

Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.

{{ homeTimeError }}
Choose Clinic Option
Select a clinic:
{{ clinic.name }}

{{ clinic.full_address }}

{{ selectedClinic.name }}

{{ selectedClinic.full_address }}

Select a date
{{ timeSlotAlert }}
Select an hour

Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}

Loading add-ons...
{{ addOnError }}
No recommended add-ons available.
×
{{ addon.name }} £{{ addon.price }}

{{ addon.excerpt }}

Selected
Selected ({{ selectedAddOns.length }}) £{{ addOnsTotal }}
  • {{ sa.name }} £{{ sa.price }}
Included in total above.
Please confirm your consent before proceeding.

Details about MTHFR Common Variants

What is the MTHFR Common Variants test?

The MTHFR Common Variants test is a genetic blood test that analyses common variations in the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene. This gene plays a critical role in converting folate into its active form, which is essential for DNA synthesis, detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and cardiovascular health.

The most commonly tested variants are C677T and A1298C. Certain variants can reduce enzyme efficiency, leading to impaired methylation, altered folate metabolism, and elevated homocysteine levels.

This test identifies inherited genetic variants—it does not change over time and only needs to be done once.


Why do I need an MTHFR Common Variants test?

MTHFR variants may contribute to health issues by affecting folate utilisation and methylation capacity, even when dietary intake appears adequate.

You may benefit from this test if you:

  • Have elevated homocysteine levels

  • Have unexplained cardiovascular risk

  • Experience fatigue or brain fog

  • Have recurrent pregnancy loss or fertility concerns

  • Have poor response to standard folic acid supplements

  • Have neurological or mood-related symptoms

  • Have a family history of thrombosis

  • Want insight into personalised nutrition or supplementation

Testing helps identify whether genetic factors may be influencing metabolic or cardiovascular risk.


Benefits of the test

  1. Identifies common MTHFR gene variants
    Detects C677T and A1298C variants.

  2. Explains elevated homocysteine
    Links genetics to cardiovascular risk.

  3. Supports personalised nutrition strategies
    Guides folate and B-vitamin optimisation.

  4. Provides lifelong genetic insight
    Results remain valid indefinitely.

  5. Useful in fertility and pregnancy assessment
    Methylation plays a key role in fetal development.

  6. Supports neurological and cognitive health evaluation
    Methylation affects neurotransmitter pathways.

  7. Simple blood-based genetic testing
    Requires only one sample.

  8. Complements homocysteine and B-vitamin testing
    Adds genetic context to biochemical results.


Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

  • Choose your nearest UK clinic

  • Attend your appointment

  • Blood sample taken by a clinician

  • Sample sent for genetic analysis

  • Results issued once testing is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

  • Mobile phlebotomist attends your location

  • Blood sample taken at home or hotel

  • Sample securely transported to the laboratory


Your results explained

No variant detected

  • Normal MTHFR gene function

  • Standard folate metabolism expected

  • Homocysteine regulation likely unaffected by MTHFR


Heterozygous variant

  • One copy of C677T or A1298C

  • Mild reduction in enzyme activity

  • May contribute to elevated homocysteine under stress or low nutrient intake


Homozygous or compound variants

  • Two copies of a variant or one of each

  • Greater reduction in enzyme efficiency

  • Higher likelihood of elevated homocysteine and methylation imbalance

Results should be interpreted alongside homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, and clinical context.

How It Works

Simple steps to get your results

1

Book Online

Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.

2

Visit or Test at Home

Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.

3

Get Your Results

Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.

Take control of your health with London Blood Tests

WhatsApp Us

How to Prepare for Your Test

Follow these guidelines for accurate results

Sample Timing

Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.

Fasting & Hydration

Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.

Medications & Supplements

Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.

Hormones & Menstrual Cycle

For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.

If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.

No, it indicates altered enzyme efficiency, not a diagnosis.

Yes, diet and nutrients play a major role.

Yes, methylation is critical in early development.

Yes, conversion to active folate may be reduced.

Yes, via its link to homocysteine.

No, they are complementary.

They may influence neurotransmitter metabolism.

Not always; it depends on symptoms and lab results.

It indicates altered folate metabolism and supports personalised nutritional and risk assessment.

Similar Products in Blood Testing

Discover more options in this category:

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol)

This test measures 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the biologically active form of vitamin D. It is used to investigate calcium imbalance, kidney disease and...

£195.00 GBP
Book now

17-Hydroxyprogesterone

This test measures 17-hydroxyprogesterone, a hormone involved in cortisol production. It is used to assess adrenal function and diagnose congenital ad...

£155.00 GBP
Book now

5 HIAA

The 5-HIAA (5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid) blood test measures the amount of 5-HIAA, a breakdown product of serotonin, in the bloodstream. Elevated level...

£219.00 GBP
Book now

6-Thioguanine Nucleotides

This test measures 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels to monitor thiopurine medications. It helps optimise treatment effectiveness while reducing toxicit...

£407.00 GBP
Book now

7 Sexually Transmitted Infections by PCR

This PCR screen detects seven common sexually transmitted infections with high accuracy. It identifies active infections even when symptoms are mild o...

£191.00 GBP
Book now
Contact us