Folate - (P) and (S)

Test Code: None

Alternate Name(s): Pteroylglutamic Acid; Folic Acid
Description: Serum/Plasma Folate is NOT available at Shared Health Laboratories.
 
Mandatory folic acid fortification of foods (i.e. white flour, enriched pasta and cornmeal) was implemented in Canada in 1998, which led to significant increase in average population folate levels. Folate deficiency is rare in Canada. 
 
If folate deficiency is suspected, it is reasonable to give oral folic acid (0.4 – 1 mg/day) without doing laboratory investigation for deficiency.
See  BC Guidelines on Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) and Folate Deficiency for more information.