Red Blood Cells Folate Test
500 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
folate RBC, RBC
Purpose
The Red Blood Cells (RBC) Folate Test is a blood test that measures the concentration of folate (vitamin B9) stored in the red blood cells. Unlike serum folate tests that reflect recent intake, the RBC folate test provides a more accurate assessment of long-term folate status in the body.
Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and proper fetal development during pregnancy. Detecting folate deficiency is crucial, as it can lead to megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, neurological issues, and birth defects when deficient during pregnancy.
Other tests that can be done alongside the vitamin B12 test, complete blood count (CBC), homocysteine test, serum folate test, and methylmalonic acid (MMA) test.
Patient Preparation
The patient should avoid taking biotin supplements at least 72 hours before sample collection. The patient should avoid folic acid vitamins at least three days before the test.
Samples
Two full tubes of whole blood (two tubes) collected in two full lavender top tubes (EDTA). 4 mL of sample should be transferred to a plastic transport tube and frozen. The whole blood transport tube should be frozen, and the whole blood sample stored at room temperature.
Reference Range
>498ng/ml
Results Turnaround
1-2 days after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The RBC Folate Test helps detect long-term folate deficiency, which may lead to megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia, where red blood cells become abnormally large and underdeveloped. Chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, malabsorption conditions (like celiac disease), and certain medications can contribute to low folate levels.
Some possible outcomes of the test include;
Low RBC Folate Levels:
Suggest chronic folate deficiency, which may be due to poor dietary intake, alcoholism, malabsorption disorders, pregnancy (increased demand), or prolonged use of medications such as methotrexate or phenytoin. This may lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, irritability, anemia, or neural tube defects in newborns if untreated during pregnancy.
Normal RBC Folate Levels:
Indicate sufficient long-term folate status. No immediate action may be necessary if other nutritional markers are also normal.
High RBC Folate Levels:
Less common and not usually a concern, but may occur due to excessive supplementation. Very high levels could mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause irreversible nerve damage if left untreated.
The test results are usually interpreted alongside vitamin B12 and other hematological parameters to determine the root cause of symptoms and guide appropriate treatment. For more on the Red Blood Cells Folate test, read this study.