Also called: Vitamin B-9, Folic acid test, Vitamin B9 test
Report
{context.blood_test.parameters} Parameters
What it checks
Report delivery
Test for
Age group
Commonly advised for
The Serum Folate test measures the level of folic acid, a vital B-vitamin (Vitamin B9), circulating in the blood. Folate plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and proper neurological function. Adequate folate levels are especially important during periods of rapid cell division, such as pregnancy, infancy, and recovery from illness.
Low folate levels can impair red blood cell maturation, leading to megaloblastic anemia, and may also affect fetal neural development. Since the body cannot store large amounts of folate, regular dietary intake is essential.
Why Is This Test Recommended?
Doctors recommend this test when anemia is suspected, especially if red blood cells appear large on a blood smear. It is also advised in cases of chronic fatigue, poor nutrition, malabsorption disorders, alcoholism, and during pregnancy planning or antenatal care.
What Do the Results Indicate?
Low serum folate levels suggest folate deficiency due to poor intake, malabsorption, increased requirement, or certain medications. Normal levels indicate adequate folate status, while very high levels may be seen with supplementation.
How Is the Test Performed and Prepared For?
A venous blood sample is collected. Fasting is generally recommended for accurate results. Patients should inform the doctor about vitamin supplementation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is folate the same as folic acid?
Folic acid is the synthetic form; folate refers to the naturally occurring form of Vitamin B9 found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic version used in supplements and fortified foods, though both serve the same biological functions once metabolized.
Can low folate cause anemia?
Yes, low folate levels can cause megaloblastic anemia, a condition where red blood cells become abnormally large and dysfunctional due to impaired DNA synthesis, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Is this test important in pregnancy?
Extremely important; adequate folate levels during pregnancy are critical for preventing neural tube defects in developing babies, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, which is why folate testing and supplementation are essential during pregnancy planning and antenatal care.
Can supplements affect results?
Yes, taking folate or folic acid supplements can significantly elevate serum folate levels and mask underlying deficiencies or other conditions, so it's important to inform your doctor about any vitamin supplementation before testing for accurate interpretation.
Is folate deficiency common?
Yes, folate deficiency is relatively common, particularly in individuals with poor dietary intake, malabsorption disorders, chronic alcoholism, certain medications, or increased requirements during pregnancy, making routine screening important in at-risk populations.
Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is needed to make healthy blood cells and for a baby's early development. This test is advised if:
Tapadia Diagnostic Centre in Warangal offers NABL-accredited Folic Acid test from a Blood sample(s). Vitamin B-9, Folic acid test, Vitamin B9 test is also prescribed for Fatigue, weakness, mouth sores, numbness, tingling. Established in 1989, this doctor-led diagnostic centre ensures high accuracy. Home sample collection and walk-in facility available at our Warangal center. Pay at the centre with no advance payment. Book online or visit us.
Folic Acid in Warangal
Rated 4.6 on Google
From 6,477 patient reviews across our Hyderabad centres.
Every report, kept for you
Past reports stay in your account and can be downloaded again.
NABL accredited
Every result reviewed by a qualified pathologist before it reaches you.
Four decades of practice
A family-run diagnostic centre, trusted by doctors and households since 1989


HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Serum-Elisa Method in Warangal
Dengue IgG, IgM Antibodies + NS1 Antigen-Rapid, Serum in Warangal
Lipoprotein A (Lp A), Serum in Warangal
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) in Warangal
Thyroxine Total (T4), Serum in Warangal
Triiodothyronine Total (T3), Serum in Warangal
CA 19.9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker), Serum in Warangal
NIPT with Microdeletions in Warangal
NIPT Basic in Warangal
Complete Blood Picture (CBP) in Warangal
Serum Phosphorus Test in Warangal
TIBC in Warangal
Urology Profile in Warangal
Beta HCG Free, Serum (Pregnancy Test) in Warangal
Viral Screening in Warangal
AFP Test in Warangal
Microalbuminuria test in Warangal
Diabetes Testing (FBS + PLBS) in Warangal
Antithrombin III in Warangal
D-dimer test in Warangal
Creatine Kinase (CK) Test in Warangal
AST Test in Warangal
Cardiac Markers in Warangal
Pap Smear - LBC in Warangal
DVT Profile in Warangal
Bleeding Time and Clotting Time (BT & CT) in Warangal
Estradiol Test in Warangal
hs-CRP Test in Warangal
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test in Warangal
Fertility Profile in Warangal
Albumin blood test in Warangal
Troponin T in Warangal
Infertility Profile Extended in Warangal
Electrolyte Panel in Warangal
Anticardiolipin Antibodies (IgG) in Warangal
PSA Test in Warangal
FSH Test in Warangal
STD Panel in Warangal
PCOS Profile in Warangal
Serum Iron Test in Warangal
Cardiac Profile-III in Warangal
Plasma Fibrinogen Test in Warangal
HBsAg Test in Warangal
Cardiac Biomarker Test in Warangal
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Types 1 and 2 Antibody Test in Warangal
Antenatal Profile in Warangal
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time in Warangal
Lipid Panel in Warangal
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Warangal
CRP test in Warangal
Joint Pain / SLE / Collagen Profile-I in Warangal
PAPP-A Test in Warangal
Insulin Test in Warangal
Triple Screen Test in Warangal
Anti-HCV Test in Warangal
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) in Warangal
Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) test in Warangal
Free Testosterone in Warangal
Triglycerides Test in Warangal
Quad Screen in Warangal
Folic Acid in Warangal
Urinalysis in Warangal
CEA Test in Warangal
Ferritin Test in Warangal
Transferrin Saturation% in Warangal
Protein C Antigen in Warangal
Alpha Feto Protein (AFP) - Fluid in Warangal
CPK (MB) Test in Warangal
Lupus Anticoagulant Testing in Warangal
Reticulocyte Count in Warangal
Infertility Profile-Basic in Warangal
Beta hCG Test in Warangal
DIABETIC PROFILE in Warangal
LH Test in Warangal
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test in Warangal
Bile Salts and Bile Pigments, Urine in Warangal
HbA1c in Warangal
Vitamin D (1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D) in Warangal
Liver Function Test (LFT) in Warangal
Anemia Profile Basic in Warangal
Rheumatoid Factor in Warangal
Widal Test in Warangal
Bilirubin blood test in Warangal
Inhibin A, Tumor Marker, Serum in Warangal
Thyroid Function Tests in Warangal
eGFR in Warangal
Menopause Profile in Warangal
EXTENDED DIABETIC PROFILE in Warangal
LDH Test in Warangal
Total Cholesterol Test in Warangal
Random Blood Sugar Test in Warangal
Total Protein Test in Warangal
RPR test in Warangal
Anti-dsDNA Test in Warangal
HDL Cholesterol in Warangal
Blood Type Test in Warangal
ASO Titre in Warangal
Blood Urea(Serum) Test in Warangal
Postprandial Blood Sugar Test in Warangal
Back Pain Profile in Warangal
ANA test in Warangal
Serum Creatinine Test in Warangal
PT/INR Test in Warangal
Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Warangal
Extended Anemia Profile III Executive in Warangal
Kidney Function Test (Renal Profile) in Warangal
Serum Magnesium Test in Warangal
Well-woman exam in Warangal
LDL cholesterol test in Warangal
Prolactin Test in Warangal
Malaria Blood Smear in Warangal
Liver Function Test (+GGT) in Warangal
TPHA Test in Warangal
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test in Warangal
Antenatal Profile 2 in Warangal
TSH Test in Warangal
Cardiac Catheterization in Warangal
Cardiolipin Antibody (IgM) in Warangal
Master Health Checkup in Warangal
Calcium Profile in Warangal
Coagulation Profile in Warangal
Uric Acid Test in Warangal
Vitamin D (25 - Hydroxy Vitamin D, Serum) in Warangal
Globulin Test in Warangal
Fever Profile Test in Warangal
Connective Tissue Disease Profile in Warangal
Calcium Blood Test in Warangal
IHC in Warangal
Estriol Unconjugated (E3) Test in Warangal
Blood Typing in Warangal
Vitamin B12 Test in Warangal
Serum Cortisol in Warangal
Double Marker Test in Warangal
Pap Smear, Conventional in Warangal
Protein S Activity in Warangal
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) in Warangal
whole exome sequencing in Warangal
Newborn Screening (NBS) in Warangal
Renal Function Test (RFT) in Warangal