Folic Acid, Serum in Vijaya Nagar, Bangalore

This test measures the amount of folic acid in the blood and detects folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is a B vitamin that produces DNA which stores genetic codes and helps to form red blood cells. Consuming the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy helps prevent particular conditions like spina bifida. Pregnant women or women who are planning to become pregnant should take at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day under the guidance of a doctor. In addition, some women may need to take more folic acid if they have any previous history of neural tube defects in pregnancies. Your healthcare provider may ask you to not eat or drink for 6 hours before going for this test, and he may also tell you to stop taking any medicines that may interfere with test results.