Order Folate (Folic Acid) Serum Blood Test from JustLabs for $10 ($28 all-in for a single-test order: $10 + one $18 lab & physician order fee per order). Price includes lab processing at Quest Diagnostics. No insurance required.
Serum folate measures the current level of folic acid (vitamin B9) in your blood, essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and preventing neural tube defects during pregnancy.
Folate, also known as vitamin B9 or folic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for numerous body functions including DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation. Adequate folate is critical during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in developing babies.
Serum folate reflects your recent dietary intake over the past few days to weeks. Because it responds quickly to changes in diet or supplementation, it's useful for assessing current folate status but may not accurately reflect long-term stores.
Folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia (large, immature red blood cells), neurological problems, and increased homocysteine levels which are associated with cardiovascular risk. Good dietary sources include leafy greens, legumes, fortified grains, and liver.
Price
$10
All-in
$28
incl. $18 lab & physician fee
Results
1-2 business days
Fasting
Not Required
What's Measured
What This Test Measures
This test measures folate concentration in blood serum, reported in ng/mL. Normal levels typically range from 3-20 ng/mL, though optimal levels for pregnancy are often higher (>8 ng/mL). Levels below 3 ng/mL indicate deficiency.
Who Should Consider This Test
Women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant, individuals with anemia or suspected B vitamin deficiency, people with malabsorption conditions (celiac, Crohn's), those taking medications that affect folate (methotrexate, phenytoin), anyone with elevated homocysteine levels.
Health Insights
Conditions Screened
Related Symptoms
When to Get Tested
No fasting required. For most accurate results, test in the morning. Note that recent high-folate meals or supplements can temporarily elevate levels, so consider testing before taking supplements that day.
No fasting needed. How to prepare for your blood test →
Understanding Your Results
Normal serum folate is 3-20 ng/mL. Below 3 ng/mL indicates deficiency requiring supplementation. For pregnancy planning, levels above 8 ng/mL are preferred. Very high levels are usually from recent supplementation and rarely harmful.
What to Expect
After placing your order, we send it straight to Quest Diagnostics — there is no consent form to sign and no partner email to wait for. Your requisition is usually ready to download from your dashboard within about an hour, and you can book your blood draw at any Quest Diagnostics location.
The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 1-2 business days and will appear in your secure JustLabs dashboard.
Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.
How much does the Folate test cost?
The Folate test costs $10 at JustLabs — $28 all-in, since the $18 lab & physician order fee is charged once per order, however many tests you add. The price is fixed before your blood draw; no insurance or doctor visit needed.
| Option | Price | Order all-in | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folate at JustLabsDrawn at Quest Diagnostics | $10 | $28 | Includes the one $18 fee, charged once per order |
Paying with an HSA or FSA? See which lab tests qualify
Frequently Asked Questions
Hospital cash price: $100–$200
$10
+ $18 order fee · $28 all-inOne $18 fee per order covers your Quest blood draw and the independent physician order, however many tests you add.
- Results in 1-2 business days
- No fasting required
- Physician order included
No insurance needed · HSA/FSA eligible
- Physician-ordered
- CLIA-certified Quest lab
- Drawn at Quest Diagnostics
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