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Choose collection locationVitamins & Minerals · Individual laboratory test
Folic Acid (Folate)
Folate supports red blood cell production and DNA formation. A blood measurement may help investigate anaemia or suspected deficiency.
Price for this test on its ownAED 155Test price AED 55
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Folic Acid (Folate) test measure?
Also called Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Folate may be assessed when red cells are unusually large or when diet, absorption or medicine use raises the possibility of deficiency.
When it may be requested
Investigating a blood-count change
Folate is relevant when assessing certain forms of anaemia or nutritional deficiency.
Distinguishing overlapping deficiencies
Your clinician may interpret the result alongside vitamin B12 and red-cell indices.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Fasting is generally unnecessary for folate alone. A morning collection is preferred. Record the most recent folic acid tablet or multivitamin and ask about dose timing.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideFolic Acid (Folate)
Reading your result
A clinician often compares folate with vitamin B12. Recent intake can influence serum folate, making supplement history important.
What can affect it
- Recent intake or supplements can influence the serum folate concentration.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testFolic Acid (Folate)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Folic Acid (Folate) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Review B12 and the blood count alongside folate and mention recent supplements before deciding if replacement is appropriate.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
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Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why is vitamin B12 often considered as well?
Folate and B12 deficiencies can produce similar changes in blood cells. The distinction matters because B12 deficiency can also affect the nerves.
I took my folic acid tablet this morning, so does that affect the result?
It can. A recent dose may raise serum folate even if your longer-term intake has been low. Tell the team when you took it and at what dose. If a change in timing is needed, agree it with the clinician who recommended the supplement.
Why is folate emphasised before pregnancy rather than during it?
The structure that becomes the brain and spinal cord forms and closes in the first weeks, often before a pregnancy is known about. Folate needs to be adequate at that point, which means starting beforehand.
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Your next step
Folic Acid (Folate) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.