Folic Acid

Vitamin B12 and folate are two vitamins that are part of the B complex of vitamins. They are necessary for normal red blood cell (RBC) formation, repair of tissues and cells, and synthesis of DNA, the genetic material in cells. Both are nutrients that cannot be produced in the body and must be supplied by the diet.

Vitamin B12 and folate tests measure vitamin levels in the liquid portion of the blood (serum or plasma) to detect deficiencies. Sometimes the amount of folate inside red blood cells may also be measured.

Folic Acid

Your doctor may perform a folic acid test if you?re showing symptoms of folic acid deficiency. They might also order the test if you?re experiencing symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency, as a lack of either vitamin can cause anemia.

The symptoms of a folic acid or vitamin B-12 deficiency include:

• diarrhea or constipation
• a swollen, red tongue
• bleeding gums
• a lack of appetite
• fatigue
• headaches
• numbness
• difficulty walking
• memory loss

The symptoms of anemia include:

• unusually pale skin
• fatigue
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• weakness
• rapid heart rate
• shortness of breath
• headaches
• confusion

If you already have either of these conditions, then a folic acid test can be done to see if the treatment is working. You may also need this test if you have an intestinal disorder, such as celiac disease or Crohn?s disease. These disorders make it difficult for your body to absorb folic acid properly, so you?ll need to be checked regularly.

A folic acid test is particularly important for women who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant. Consuming a sufficient amount of folic acid is critical for preventing certain birth defects and for ensuring the normal development of the fetus.

Before you take a folic acid test, notify your doctor about any supplements or medications you may be taking, as some can interfere with the results. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid food and liquids for six to eight hours before the folic acid test. It?s usually preferable to fast all night and to have an early appointment the next morning.

A folic acid test involves taking a small sample of blood. The blood is typically drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow. A healthcare provider will perform the test by doing the following:

They?ll clean the area with an antiseptic. They?ll wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to slow down the flow of blood. This causes the veins below the band to swell. Once they find a vein, they?ll insert the needle and begin drawing blood. After they?ve collected the blood, they?ll remove the needle and apply a cotton ball to stop any bleeding. The puncture site will be covered with a bandage. The blood sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment with you to go over the results.

The folic acid blood test poses no significant risks. You may get a small bruise at the puncture site, but you can lower the risk of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for a few minutes after the test. In rare cases, the vein may become swollen. This can be treated with a warm compress. Ongoing bleeding can also be a problem for people with bleeding disorders, so it?s important to tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or if you take blood-thinning medications.

"iHealthMantra

We at iHealthMantra enable patients to book their diagnostics tests from best Diagnostics Labs in India such as Thyrocare, Dr Lal Pathlabs, Metropolis, Suburban Diagnostics, Medall Clumax and many others top quality diagnostic labs. Diagnostics tests booked through us are at low price and patients can avail free home sample collection.

We also provide preventive health checkups, Regular Health check-up, Health checkup packages, Thyroid Profile, PET Scan, MRI Scan, CT Scan, Full body check up, Vitamin D Profile, Lipid Profile, Renal Function Tests and other blood tests. Provided below is a brief description of few of our partner labs.

About Thyrocare

Thyrocare, with its tag line of Think Thyroid, Think Thyrocare, is India's first fully automated diagnostic laboratory with a focus on providing quality at affordable costs to retail customers, laboratories and hospitals in India and other countries. Thyrocare has strong focus on technology, brand and systems that enables Thyrocare laboratories to give their clients the best of science and technology at an affordable cost. Thyrocare laboratories have NABL and CAP accreditations. Thyrocare supports home sample collection to provide convenience to customers.Thyrocare is a PAN India chain with services across all the major Indian cities such New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

Key tests and health profiles supported by Thyrocare are: T3, T4, TSH also called Thyroid Profile, TSH also called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyrocare Aarogyam Packages such as Mini Aarogyam, Aarogyam A, Aarogyam B, Aarogyam C, Vitamin Profiles such as Vitamin D Profile and Vitamin D3 test.

About Metropolis

Metropolis is India?s one of the biggest and multinational chain of pathology labs and diagnostics centre known for excellent customer satisfaction and preventive healthcare. Metropolis has following accreditations, CAP, NABL and RNTCP. Metropolis Healthcare has been honoured for its best practices and its commitment to excellence in customer satisfaction and innovation. The journey of Metropolis started in 1981, when its Founder and Chairman, Dr. Sushil Shah had a vision to introduce specialized testing facilities to the Indian population. Processing over 30 million tests a year, catering to over 20,000 Laboratories, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and 2,00,000 consultants; and with 34 years of experience in delivering accurate reports, Metropolis has earned the reputation of being India's multinational chain of laboratories with a strong presence in Sri Lanka, UAE, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius & Ghana. Metropolis supports home sample collection to provide convenience to customers. Metropolis is a PAN India chain with services across all the major Indian cities such New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Common Tests supported by Metropolis are Lipid Profile, Thyroid Profile, Vitamin D Profile, Renal function test, Blood Tests, Vitamin D3, TSH, T3, T4, Diabetes Test, ECG test, thalassemia test, preventive health checkups, Regular Health check-up, Health checkup packages and Full body check up.

About Dr Lal Pathlabs

Dr Lal PathLabs is a leading Diagnostic Centre and Pathology Lab for Blood Test in India. Dr Lal PathLabs has a strong focus on quality with NABL accreditation. Dr Lal PathLabs has a qualified team of Pathologists, Radiologists, Microbiologists, Biochemists and specialists. Dr Lal PathLabs supports home sample collection to provide convenience to customers. Dr Lal PathLabs is a PAN India chain with services across all the major Indian cities such New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

Common Tests supported by Dr Lal PathLabs are Lipid Profile, Thyroid Profile, Vitamin D Profile, Renal function test, Blood Tests, Vitamin D3, TSH, T3, T4, Diabetes Test, ECG test, thalassemia test, preventive health checkups, Regular Health check-up, Health checkup packages and Full body check up. Few unique health packages supported by Dr Lal PathLabs are Swasth Plus Basic Health Checkup, Swasth Plus Advanced Health Checkup and Swasth Plus Vitamins Package. "

"We can help and guide you to find answer to your queries. Some sample questions we answered for our customers are:

• What is Hemogram cost in Mumbai?
• Cost of Hemogram in Mumbai?
• What is Hemogram cost in Bangalore?
• Cost of Hemogram in Bangalore ?
• What is Hemogram cost in Pune?
• Cost of Hemogram in Pune?
• What is Hemogram cost in Hyderabad?
• Cost of Hemogram in Hyderabad?
• What is Hemogram cost in Delhi?
• Cost of Hemogram in Delhi?
• What is Hemogram cost in Ahmedabad?
• Cost of Hemogram in Ahmedabad?

You can also call us at 9503472446 or email us at customercare@ihealthmantra.com or chat with our customer support."