Folate, or Folic Acid, Vitamin B9, is a B vitamin. It helps the body break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars to be used for energy. It is found in green leaved vegetables especially. The body has low reserves of folate, perhaps four months, so deficiency is quite common but easily corrected. Causes of deficiency include reduced intake from the diet or from poor absorption through the gut; increased demand for folate (eg pregnancy) and side effects of some medication (eg methotrexate). Symptoms include fatigue, mild sensation changes and depression. Prolonged lack of folate results in megaloblastic anaemia (in which the red blood cells are characteristically large).
Sample Collection Options for this Folate Test.
Self Collect Sample
Cost: Free - Pay for Test Only
You can easily collect the blood required for this Folate Test by using one of our Finger-Prick Collection Kits.
Visit a Partner Clinic
Cost: Add £30
We have partnered with Superdrug and Circle Health Hospitals in order to provide you with phlebotomy.
Nurse Home Visits
Cost: Add £55
Let our Nurses come to your home or place of work - we cover Mainland England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.
This Blood Test can be taken at Home
This home blood test is available for fingerprick (microtainer) OR Phlebotomy (venous vacutainer) collection using one of our many phlebotomy options across the UK. You can even choose to arrange your own health professional to collect the sample.
If you're unsure about how to access this test or how the procedure works please watch this short video.
Do you have a question about this Folate? We aim to get back to you with an answer the same working day.
There's a reason that over 30% of Blue Horizon Kit requests are from patients that have used us before.