Folate (RBC) details
What Folate (RBC) shows
Folate (vitamin B9) is needed to make DNA and healthy red blood cells, and adequate levels are especially important before and during pregnancy. This test measures folate inside your red blood cells, which reflects your folate status over roughly the lifespan of those cells, the past few months, rather than your most recent meals. A lower result can point to long-standing low intake, poor absorption, or increased needs, and can contribute to a type of anemia with large red cells. A higher result usually reflects good intake or supplementation. Because vitamin B12 deficiency can also affect folate results, RBC folate is usually interpreted alongside B12 and a complete blood count.
Tests that include Folate (RBC)
This test measures the level of folate inside red blood cells (RBC) to help diagnose nutritional deficiencies. Since serum folate levels can quickly change with diet and absorption, RBC folate may be a better diagnostic tool since the levels remain fairly constant.
- Folate (RBC) Measures folate stored inside red blood cells, giving a picture of your longer-term folate status over the past few months.
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