Detailed Test Information

Folate Metabolism Profile

Key Advantages

Assessment of plasma folate species provides clinical insight into aberrant folate metabolism that can significantly affect crucial methylation processes, DNA/RNA metabolism, and neurotransmitter metabolism.

This Test May be Useful in…

The Importance of Folate

Folate is a generic term that includes the various derivatives of naturally occurring physiologically important forms of folate (Vitamin B9), and synthetic folic acid supplements. Naturally occurring folates are derived mostly from dark green leafy vegetables, while synthetic folic acid is used under mandate in fortified cereals and other processed foods. Adequate folate levels and healthy metabolism of folate is essential for numerous cellular functions throughout the body including appropriate division and replication of DNA and is the most common form prescribed prenatally for the prevention of defective foetal spinal cord and brain development

Why test for Folate Metabolism?

The level of total folates in red blood cells (RBC) has traditionally been used to assess long-term folate status, but the test does not provide clinically important information regarding specific forms of folate. Folate levels in RBC and plasma reflect hepatic folate stores.  

Although plasma folates are cleared rapidly, the analysis of plasma folates allows for the distinction between the different forms to help identify an aberrant folate metabolism. The Plasma Folate test reports the levels of THF, UMFA, Folinic Acid and 5-MTHF and can be used to monitor clinical intervention, or as a “folate challenge test” in assessing folate levels before and one-hour post-folate supplementation. It can also be a useful add on to the functional Plasma Methylation Profile.  

See our resources below for information on the differences between folate supplements. 

IMPORTANT – Please Read Before Prescribing:

The collection for this test is very time sensitive and we request that practitioners reiterate to their patient the importance of following the instructions carefully. All instructions are inside the test, however due to the short time frame and freezing of the sample, lab rejections are common for this test. Before prescribing this test to patients, please make sure they are able to comply with the following:

  1. Place the ice block in freezer as soon as kit is received
  2. Ensure test is performed on a Monday
  3. On Monday, patients should pre-book their courier to pick up kit on the Tuesday
  4. Take kit and all instructions to a Collection Centre for the blood draw
  5. fter blood is drawn, patient will need to wait for it to be spun (approx. 20 min)
  6. As soon as they receive their sample, put it straight on the ice in the esky and get it home and into the freezer within 45 mins to be frozen overnight
  7. Courier will pick up the frozen sample on Tuesday

If the patient is unable to comply with this time-frame, this test is not suitable for them.

Resources

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About Doctors Data

Doctor’s Data, Inc. has provided innovative speciality testing to healthcare practitioners around the world from our advanced, CLIA-licensed clinical laboratory since 1972.

A specialist and pioneer in essential and toxic elemental testing, the laboratory provides a wide array of functional testing to aid in decision-making and better patient outcomes. Choose DDI to help you assess and treat heavy metal burden, nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal function, cardiovascular risk, liver and metabolic abnormalities, and more.

The Importance of Lab Transparency

How to Ensure your Functional Tests are Evidence-Based

It is important to be informed as to where tests are being conducted as well as the technology used, so that you can be confident that your patients are performing evidence-based tests. RN Labs has always insisted in choosing laboratories that are of the highest standard globally with evidence-based functional tests, thereby improving patient outcomes and supporting the industry as a whole. RN Labs believes in maintaining full transparency of who and where your test is being carried out, so that you can make fully informed decisions with your patients.

S QLD / N NSW Area Manager

Jessica Morland

Jess is a qualified Nutritionist with a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional Medicine. She believes that there is no one size fits all approach and is passionate about educating, inspiring and supporting clients and practitioners with a customised approach to healthcare. Specialties include preconception, pregnancy, post-natal and infant care. 

Jess is excited to build relationships, educate and share her knowledge with both retail and practitioners in South Queensland and Northern NSW.

Lauren Matich, BHSc (Nat.)

Lauren Matich

BHSc (Nat.)

Lauren is an NHAA accredited Clinical Naturopath with a Bachelor of Health Science. She is incredibly passionate about natural health and educating clients on the foundational importance of nutrition, lifestyle and stress management and believes complimenting these building blocks with nutraceutical support and functional testing often holds the key to optimal health and vitality. Lauren looks forward to supporting practitioners and clients in these key areas.

Specialties include supporting thyroid health, digestive disorders and mental health.