What is a good RBC folate level?

For red blood cells, a normal result ranges from 140 to 628 ng/mL or 317 to 1,422 nmol/L. A test result that’s lower than normal means you have a folate deficiency, and your healthcare provider may recommend folic acid supplements.

What is red cell folate test?

Vitamin B12 and folate tests measure vitamin levels in the liquid portion of the blood (serum or plasma) to detect deficiencies. Sometimes the amount of folate inside red blood cells may also be measured.

What is a high folate RBC?

High levels of folate in the blood may mean that you eat a diet rich in folate or folic acid, take vitamins, or take folic acid pills. Consuming more folate than the body needs does not cause problems. High folate levels can also mean a vitamin B12 deficiency. Body cells need vitamin B12 to use folate.

Is there a blood test for folate deficiency?

How Is It Diagnosed? To check for folate deficiency anemia, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They might also order blood tests and a complete blood count (CBC) test to measure the number and appearance of your red blood cells. If you have a lack of folate, your red blood cells look large and immature.

How long do you have to fast before a folate blood test?

What are the preparations needed for the Folate test? – Fasting is required for 8 hours to 10 hours before the test is conducted. – You should inform your doctor about all the medications you had been already taking. He will suggest to you the way the medications have to be taken before the test.

What does it mean if your folate levels are high?

High levels of folic acid in the blood may mean that you eat a diet rich in folic acid, take vitamins, or take folic acid pills. Consuming more folic acid than the body needs does not cause problems. High folic acid levels can also mean a vitamin B12 deficiency. Body cells need vitamin B12 to use folic acid.

What are the symptoms of elevated folate levels?

One of the symptoms of elevated folic acid involves the digestive system, such as diarrhea and nausea. Changes in behavior can also signify this issue, though symptoms that affect other parts of the body also exist, including a rash and even deficiency of other vitamins.

What’s the optimal folate level?

The normal reference range of folic acid in the blood is between 2.7 and 17.0 nanograms per milliliter. Higher-than-normal folic acid levels usually aren’t problematic, but they may indicate a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Your body needs vitamin B-12 to use folic acid properly, so if vitamin B-12 levels are low, folic acid can’t be used.