Test Database

Description

The Architect folate assay is a chemiluminescent microparticle folate binding protein assay for the quantitative determination of folate Due to the relocation of the Nutristasis service to the Blackfriars Hub site, this test is not currently accredited by UKAS to ISO15189

Clinical details

Folates (vitamin B9) serve as cofactors in the enzymatic transfer of single carbon units in a variety of metabolic pathways. Folates are necessary for nucleic acid and mitochondrial protein synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and other cellular processes that involve single carbon transfers. Folate deficiency can be caused by low dietary intake, malabsorption due to gastrointestinal diseases, inadequate utilization due to enzyme deficiencies of folate antagonist therapy, drugs, and excessive folate demand, such as during pregnancy. Low serum folate levels reflect the first stage of folate negative balance, and can precede tissue depletion.

Related condition

megaloblastic (macrocytic) anaemia, malnutrition, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer

Reference range

3.1-20.5

Units

ug/L

Synonyms

Folate, Vitamin B9, folic acid, pteroylglutamic acid

Testing site

Synnovis : Reference Services : Blackfriars Hub

Laboratory

Nutristasis Unit