HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Folic Acid
Why It Is Done
A folic acid test may be done to:
- Check for Reference anemia Opens New Window. A folic acid test is often done at the same time as a test for Reference vitamin B12 Opens New Window levels because a lack of either vitamin may cause anemia.
- Check for malnutrition or problems absorbing (malabsorption) folic acid.
- See if treatment for folic acid deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency is working.
- See if a woman has enough folic acid to prevent certain birth defects and allow her baby to grow normally.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference December 20, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology |
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