Folate, Folic Acid, Serum (Vitamin B9, Vitamin B11)

Folate tests or Vitamin B9 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. Folate measurements are used in the diagnosis and management of megaloblastic anemia. In the past, vitamin B9 was called vitamin B11 and today it is more commonly known as folic acid.

The reference range of the plasma folate level varies by age, as follows :

Adults - 2-20 ng/mL, 2-20 μg/L, or 4.5-45.3 nmol/L. Children - 5-21 ng/mL, 5-21 μg/L, or 11.3-47.6 nmol/L

What happens if your folic acid is low?

When you have anemia, your blood can't bring enough oxygen to all your tissues and organs. Without enough oxygen, your body can't work as well as it should. Low levels of folic acid can cause megaloblastic anemia. With this condition, red blood cells are larger than normal.