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What Is Superdrug Online Doctor?
We're a service that helps you order treatments online from UK-registered doctors with free, discreet, to-your-door deliveries.
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Folate Blood Test
Order our easy-to-use home test kit
Folate helps your body to make new cells, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the right amount.
At Superdrug Online Doctor, we offer a folate test kit which checks whether you have a low, normal, or high level of folate in your blood. When you get your results, our doctors can tell you if you need any treatment.
Folate testing is currently unavailable. Please check again soon for updates.
Last reviewed: 14/11/2019 by Dr Clair Grainger
To place an order, fill in a brief questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a treatment if suitable. Existing patients should login first.
| Medication | Pack Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Folate Blood Test | Includes return postage and packaging for test | £39.00 |
Dispensing and standard delivery included.
Next Day Delivery: £3.99
How our service works
Using a home test works in the following steps:
- Place an order and get your kit delivered to your door (delivery is free)
- Collect your sample by following the instructions in the test kit
- Send your samples to our UK-based, accredited partner laboratory (postage is free)
- Once your results are available (in 2 to 3 days), our doctors will review your results
- One of our doctors will contact you, via a secure and confidential message in your patient account, to let you know your results and give you advice and support on what to do next
In some cases, the doctor may need to ask for more information. They may contact you by phone, so make sure your telephone number is up to date in your online account.
About folate levels
What is folate and folic acid?
Folate, also called vitamin B9, is an important vitamin which your body needs to make new cells every day. Folic acid is the man-made version of folate. Your body can’t make or store folate, so you need to get it from your diet or by taking (folic acid) supplements.
Foods that are high in folate include:
- Leafy green veggies, like spinach, kale, and cabbage
- Legumes, like chickpeas, beans, and lentils
- Nuts and seeds, like walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
- Citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, and limes.
- Fortified grains, which are grains that have extra folic acid added to them, and can be found in some breads, pastas, and cereals.
What happens if I have low folic acid levels?
If you have really low levels of folate, then you may become deficient. The main cause of folate deficiency is not having enough of it in your diet.
If you have severe folate deficiency then it can lead to anaemia. Anaemia is a condition that happens when your body produces fewer red blood cells than normal, and they are worse at getting oxygen around your body.
Anaemia can make you feel weak, tired, and out of breath. It can also cause symptoms like strange feelings on your skin and a strange taste in your mouth.
How can I get my folate levels tested?
At Superdrug Online Doctor, we offer a folate blood test kit for you to test your folate (vitamin b9) levels. To order your test kit, simply fill in a short questionnaire and place your order. Your kit will be sent to you by post.
Once you have received your kit, follow these steps:
- Collect a drop of blood from your finger using the lancet (pin-prick device) provided with the kit
- Place the drop of blood in the collection kit
- Use the prepaid envelope to post your sample to our partner lab
- You’ll receive the results of your folate blood test two to three days after the lab receives your kit. A Superdrug doctor will send you advice based on your results.
What to do about your results
If your folate level is low, you’ll need to see your GP to get a couple more blood tests done. One of these is a ‘full blood count’ or ‘FBC’ to check your red blood cells, and one is to check your B12 level. Folate and B12 often go hand in hand, and it’s important not to treat a low folate level before making sure that your B12 level is normal. You can get a vitamin B12 test kit to check your vitamin B12 levels with Superdrug Online Doctor.
If you have a low folate level, our doctors will give you advice on you what to do when we receive your results.
To place an order, fill in a brief questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a treatment if suitable. Existing patients should login first.
Reviewed by: Dr Clair Grainger in line with the Superdrug Online Editorial Process.
Dr Grainger studied at the University of Edinburgh and worked in hospitals before becoming a GP. She has an interest in respiratory, and sexual and reproductive health.
Last reviewed on: 14/11/19