How does folic acid appear on blood tests? What is folate on labs?

How does folic acid appear on blood tests? What is folate on labs?

On lab reports, folic acid status is typically listed as “Folate.” Some panels specify “Serum folate,” and less commonly “RBC folate (red blood cell folate).” Serum folate can reflect more recent intake, while RBC folate may better represent longer-term status. Interpreting whether a value is “normal” depends on the assay and the lab’s reference ranges. For a reliable clinical read, combine the reference interval on the report with symptoms and related markers such as vitamin B12, iron/ferritin, and a complete blood count.