Folate

Biochemistry homepage 

 

Also known as vitamin B9.

 

Clinical indications:

Used in the investigation of suspected folate deficiency. Causes include:

• Low folate intake
• Malabsorption as a result of gastrointestinal diseases
• Chronic alcoholism
• Pregnancy
• Drugs such as phenytoin 

Folate and B12 deficiency impair DNA synthesis, causing macrocytic anaemias.

 

Profile:

• Haematinics

 

Specimen type: 

• Blood

 

Sample type: 

• Serum

 

Turnaround time: 

• Inpatient: 24 hours
• Outpatient: 24 hours
• GP: 24 hours

Reference interval:

3.89 - 26.8µg/L (Quoted by the manufacturer)