Red blood cell (RBC) folate measures folate stored in red blood cells, reflecting folate status over the preceding 2–3 months. It is used to assess nutritional folate adequacy and help diagnose folate deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological complications.
Red blood cell (RBC) folate measures folate stored in red blood cells, reflecting folate status over the preceding 2–3 months. It is used to assess nutritional folate adequacy and help diagnose folate deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological complications.
When elevated: Elevated RBC folate is uncommon in clinical practice. High folate levels have been studied in relation to overall health outcomes, though the clinical significance of markedly elevated RBC folate remains unclear. When low: Low RBC folate indicates folate depletion and may reflect inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, or increased demand. Deficiency can impair DNA synthesis, cause macrocytic anemia, and contribute to elevated homocysteine, which is associated with cardiovascular and other health risks.
RBC folate is moderately relevant to athletes since adequate folate supports red blood cell production and oxygen delivery, both important for aerobic performance and endurance. Folate also aids muscle protein synthesis and recovery; deficiency can impair these processes and increase infection risk during heavy training. Most athletes meeting general nutrition guidelines obtain sufficient folate, but vegetarian/vegan athletes and those with restrictive diets should monitor this marker.
Turnaround Time
3 days (up to 9 days)
Method
Immunoassay (IA)
Order online
Choose your lab and check out. We send your lab requisition automatically — no doctor visit needed.
Get your sample collected
Visit a lab service center near you for a quick blood draw (or book at-home phlebotomy where available).
See your results
Your results land in your Insider portal, ready to review and act on — that easy.
Your price
$20.00$60
3.0× less than retail
Versus the typical direct-to-consumer retail price for this test (illustrative — consumer prices vary by provider and region).
$20.00
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Red blood cell (RBC) folate measures folate stored in red blood cells, reflecting folate status over the preceding 2–3 months. It is used to assess nutritional folate adequacy and help diagnose folate deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological complications.
Red blood cell (RBC) folate measures folate stored in red blood cells, reflecting folate status over the preceding 2–3 months. It is used to assess nutritional folate adequacy and help diagnose folate deficiency, which can lead to anemia and neurological complications.
When elevated: Elevated RBC folate is uncommon in clinical practice. High folate levels have been studied in relation to overall health outcomes, though the clinical significance of markedly elevated RBC folate remains unclear.
The Folate, RBC test starts at $20.00 at Quest. No doctor's visit and no insurance needed; we do not bill insurance. Fitomics Insider members pay from $15.00.
Results for the Folate, RBC test are typically ready about 3 days after your draw, and up to 9 days for some samples. Your results land in your Insider portal.
No. When you order the Folate, RBC test from Fitomics Research Labs, a licensed physician in our 50-state network reviews and signs your requisition after checkout, and it lands in your portal and inbox. Then visit any Labcorp, Quest, or BioReference patient service center for your draw; results post to your Insider portal.
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