Red Blood Cell Folate Blood Test

Over 250k Biomarkers Tested

Red Blood Cell Folate Blood Test

$124.78 AUD

Had a normal serum folate result but still have symptoms that might point to a deficiency, or want a more reliable picture of your actual folate stores over time?

Measures folate stored inside red blood cells, reflecting average folate status over 3 to 4 months. More reliable than serum folate, which fluctuates with recent dietary intake. Used to investigate macrocytic anaemia, assess methylation status, and monitor supplementation response.

Collection Location
Specimen Type

You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.

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Private health tests

How It Works

Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.

1
Order a test

Order a test

Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2
Collect the sample

Collect the sample

Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!

Overview

Red blood cell (RBC) folate measures the folate stored inside your red blood cells rather than the folate circulating freely in your blood serum. Because red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 3 to 4 months, RBC folate reflects your average folate status over that period. This makes it a more stable and reliable marker than serum folate, which can fluctuate significantly with a single folate-rich meal.

Folate (vitamin B9) is needed for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and methylation reactions throughout the body. When folate is deficient over a sustained period, red blood cells become abnormally large (macrocytic), leading to a type of anaemia called megaloblastic anaemia. Because B12 deficiency produces similar blood changes, the two are often tested together to distinguish the cause.

RBC folate is particularly relevant for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. An important nuance is that B12 deficiency can affect your RBC folate result. For this reason, RBC folate is most informative when interpreted alongside serum B12, homocysteine, and a full blood count.

Symptoms

To assess long-term folate status, investigate macrocytic anaemia, evaluate methylation function alongside B12 and homocysteine, and monitor folate supplementation response over time.

Questions

  • Serum folate fluctuates with recent dietary intake. RBC folate reflects your average status over 3 to 4 months.
  • Yes. B12 deficiency can trap folate inside cells in an unusable form, lowering RBC folate even when dietary intake is adequate.
  • No fasting is required.
  • RBC folate requires additional laboratory processing.
  • If you want your supplemented level, continue as normal. Discuss the purpose of testing with your practitioner.

Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Biomarker Tested

How to prepare

No fasting is required, though avoiding a very high-folate meal in the 24 hours before testing is sensible if you are trying to understand your typical status.

After the test

Share your result with your GP or integrative medicine practitioner. Low RBC folate warrants investigation into dietary intake, absorption, medication effects, MTHFR variants, and whether B12 deficiency is contributing.

Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.

Understanding results

RBC folate is measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). Normal RBC folate is approximately 360 to 1,400 nmol/L. Deficient levels indicate depleted tissue folate stores. RBC folate should be interpreted alongside serum B12, homocysteine and full blood count.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

4.9
Average Rating
5,500+ Customers Tested
250,000+ Individual Biomarkers
A
Adam O. ACT

Simple health checks in my control

I didn't know that private blood tests were an option. Tried this platform as the packages suited what I wanted for a good price. Easy to follow instructions, and super quick results. Platform provides more information than my gp's ever have on the tests and what the results meant. Would like more clinics to be able to test at (specifically Capital Pathology) but there is a decent network. Will continue to use.

The Performance Check
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Wayne S. NSW

Bloody Good

This is a great service, very helpful support, cheaper than going to the doctor for a blood test

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Christopher N. NSW

Quick access to blood tests

BLOODY GOOD is a very efficient route to access blood testing for a visitor outside the Australian health system. It is quick with the necessary referral and documentation, and quick with results. Thank you

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Rebecca Y NSW

Great Service!

Fantastic service to deal with, I love the extra explanations for all the tests.

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Olga B. New South Wales

Convenient

Getting a referral was easy. Laverty pathology accepted it. Bloody Good offers an affordable and convenient way to check essential blood markers.

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Bloody good test

Very comprehensive tests that have given me a good picture of my overall health.

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Quick, easy, hassle free

Excellent service, quick, easy, hassle free, can recommend.

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Amazingly quick and efficient

Very easy to use. Love that it stores your blood tests.

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Andre D. QLD

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Wayne NSW

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Frequently bought together

Frequently Asked Questions

Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.

If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.

Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)

Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.

They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.

Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.