Vitamins
Folate — what it measures
For understanding, not diagnosis. Reference ranges differ between laboratories; the ranges on your own report, and your doctor’s reading of them, always come first.
What it measures
Folate testing measures a B vitamin needed to build DNA and red blood cells. It is commonly checked alongside B12 because the two work together and their shortages can look similar on a blood count.
What can skew it
A single folate-rich meal or supplement before the test can lift serum folate quickly, so timing matters when results are interpreted.
Reference ranges
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by whether serum or red-cell folate is measured, so read your value only against your own report's range and your clinician's advice.
Medical disclaimer: This page is educational only. It cannot tell you whether your result is normal or what to do about it — that is a decision for your doctor, with your full history.