Serum Folate

Folic Acid Level Serum Folic Acid Serum Folate
Serum (SST) nmol/L

About this test

Reflects recent dietary folate intake. Rapidly falls with acute deficiency. Red cell folate is a better indicator of tissue stores but less commonly used.

Reference Ranges

Sex Age Range Notes
All ≥ 18 yrs > 7 Deficiency <7 nmol/L (approximately <3 ng/mL)

Clinical Interpretation

Low / Decreased
Deficiency — poor diet, alcohol, malabsorption, pregnancy demand, drugs (methotrexate, trimethoprim, phenytoin), haemolysis.
High / Increased
Elevated (rarely clinically significant).
Specimen
Serum (SST)
Reporting Unit
nmol/L

⚠ Clinical Note
Reference ranges are indicative. Always interpret results in the context of the individual patient and local laboratory reference intervals, which may vary.