Folate, Serum
What This Test Measures
Water-soluble B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and cell division; deficiency causes macrocytic anemia.
Preparation
PREP: Fasting is recommended — serum folate rises significantly after eating, leading to falsely elevated results. Fast at least 8 hours. If supplementing with folate or methylfolate, skip the supplement on the morning of the test. The STTM community considers optimal folate in the top third of the standard range (roughly 12–17+ on a 3–17 range). For patients with MTHFR variants, functional practitioners target even higher levels. RBC folate is considered a more reliable long-term marker than serum folate. These notes reflect common practices in functional medicine communities.
Reflects common practices in thyroid, BHRT, and functional medicine communities. This may differ from standard clinical guidelines. Not medical advice — always discuss with your provider.
General guidelines only. Requirements vary by lab and individual. Confirm with your provider before adjusting any medications.
Turnaround Time
Varies by lab
Clinical Notes
Important in pregnancy for neural tube defect prevention
ICD-10 Codes
Common diagnosis codes associated with this test. Codes are assigned by your provider.
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Uses Labcorp network; known for supplement company; competitive lab test pricing
Lab Codes
Proprietary codes used by each lab for this test.
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For informational purposes only
This page is for educational and research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. ICD-10 and CPT codes are assigned by your healthcare provider. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before ordering any lab test or making decisions about your health.