Folic Acid Test
Folic Acid Test
- This test is meant to measure the amount of Folic Acid in the blood
- 6 hours of fasting is required. Stop taking any Folic Acid Supplements. Several medications can also interfere with the results. Check with your doctor about this.
- This test would provide the value of folic acid present in the blood.
What is Folic Acid Test ?
Folic acid helps form red blood cells and produce DNA that stores genetic codes. Taking the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. It may be provided by prenatal vitamins and certain foods, such as enriched bread, flour, and cereal. Some women may need to take more if they have a history of neural tube defects in earlier pregnancies. Ask your doctor how much you need.
At Maurya Labs, the Folic Acid Test costs Rs. 1600 and the report is made available on the same day.
Reported Parameters
Folic Acid Test result will give a value for the amount of folic acid present in the blood. The normal range is 2.7 to 17.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or 6.12 to 38.52 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
All The Questions that you might have
- Who should get Folic Acid test done ?
- What foods one must consume to avoid folic acid deficiency ?
- What is the role of Folic Acid in the body ?
Folic Acid is the natural form of Vitamin B9 found in the blood. Deficiency of Folic Acid in the blood can result in anemia and can cause neural defects like spina bifida in the unborn child in pregnant women. Normally this test is done alongwith Vitamin B12 test to find the cause of anemia.
The test is mostly done in pregnant women specially those who had neural defect in a previous pregnancy. Others may require this test if they suffer from symptoms of anemia like :
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Fatigue
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Weakness
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Pale skin, gums, eyes, and nails
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Mouth ulcers and a red, sore tongue
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Irritability
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Shortness of breath
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Weight loss
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Numbness and tingling of fingers and toes
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Forgetfulness
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Fluttering heartbeat (palpitations) or rapid heartbeat
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Confusion
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Dizziness and fainting
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Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, although these are rare
Folic acid is found in the following edible items :
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Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, collards, and romaine lettuce
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Citrus fruits and juices
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Dried beans, lentils, and peas
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Yeast
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Liver
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Asparagus
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Broccoli
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Wheat germ
Many cereals, breads, and other grain products are fortified with folic acid, the synthetic version of vitamin B-9.
Folic Acid is needed to make red blood cells. It is also used to repair cells and to make DNA.
It also helps prevent cellular changes that may lead to cancer. Folic Acid is also needed to help a baby’s cells multiply during pregnancy. If Folic Acid Test shows lower levels during pregnancy, it can lead to brain or spine defects in the fetus. It can also lead to megaloblastic anemia. This is a type of anemia marked by fewer, but larger, red blood cells.
