Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much folate is in your blood. You may also hear it called folic acid. Folate is one of the B vitamins that is found in some foods. It is also added to some foods or you may take it as a pill. ‚
Having the right amount of folate is very important. Your body does not store a lot of folate. You get it from your diet. Folate helps your body break down protein from the food you eat. It also helps make the protein available so your body can build new cells. Folate helps build red blood cells and DNA. It is very important for a pregnant woman to have enough folate since it helps your body build new cells. ‚
The doctor may order a folate level to: ‚
- Check your general health and nutritional status
- Check for problems with your nerves
- See if you have problems absorbing food
- Learn about reasons why you may have mental changes or behavior changes
- See how well your treatment is working
- Check for anemia
- Go along with other tests like a vitamin B12 level or homocysteine test
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What will the results be?
- Normal folate levels can mean that your signs are due to some other problem.
- High folate levels are very rare and may go along with a chronic disease. Many times, a high folate level is because you eat many foods high in folate, such as leafy, green vegetables; whole grains; beans; or organ meats.
- Low folate levels can mean many different things.
- They may be due to not eating enough folate in your diet.
- You may also have problems absorbing the folate that you eat. Drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) affects the absorption of folate in your body.
- Some drugs can cause low folate levels.
- Your body may also have a higher need for folate, such as when you are having a baby.
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- Your doctor may order other tests to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor may ask you not to have anything to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before this test. This is called fasting.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
- If you drink a lot of alcohol
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much folate is in it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your folate level. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/vitamin-b12/tab/glance ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚