Folic Acid

Why It Is Done

A folic acid test may be done to:

• Check for anemia. A folic acid test is often done at the same time as a test for vitamin B₁₂ levels because a lack of either vitamin may cause anemia.
• Check for malnutrition or difficulty absorbing (malabsorption) folic acid.
• See whether treatment for folic acid deficiency or vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is working.
• See whether a woman has enough folic acid to prevent certain birth defects and allow her baby to grow normally.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: March 5, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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