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folate in serum/plasma

Reference values: - Serum Folate: 2.0-14.0 ng/mL Clinical significance: Serum folate, serum vitamin B12 & red blood cell folate are among the most common tests ordered in the investigation of anemia. Since deficiency of either vitamin may be a cause of megaloblastic anemia, it is essential to determine the levels of both vitamin B12 & folic acid to establish the etiology of the anemia. Vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor in intermediary metabolism & is required for the biosynthesis of DNA. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to severe anemia & potentially irreversible central nervous system degeneration. Folic acid is required in cellular metabolism & hematopoiesis, & prolonged folic acid deficiency may lead directly to megaloblastic anemia. Decreases: - folate deficiency Principle: - see vitamin B12/folate measurement Specimen: - see vitamin B12/folate measurement

Related

folate deficiency folate in erythrocytes folic acid; folate; vitamin B9 vitamin B12; cobalamin

General

folate in body fluid

References

  1. Folate, Serum Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 70070
  2. Mini Panel of 2 tests: Folate, Serum . Vitamin B12 Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 70160

Component-of

anemia panel folate + vitamin B12 in serum/blood