{"product_id":"vitamin-b9-folic-acid-blood-test-kit","title":"Vitamin B9 (folic acid) Blood Test Kit","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-listing-container\"\u003e\n    \u003cstyle\u003e\n        .product-listing-container { font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #333; background-color: #fff; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; }\n        .product-listing-container * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n        .product-listing-container .product-description { margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8; }\n        .product-listing-container .results-timing { margin: 20px 0; font-size: 16px; }\n        .product-listing-container .results-timing strong { font-size: 18px; color: #2c7a7b; }\n        .product-listing-container .results-timing p { margin-top: 10px; font-size: 14px; color: #4a5568; }\n        \n        .product-listing-container .dob-notice { background-color: #fff8e6; border-left: 4px solid #f0b429; 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}\n    \u003c\/style\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- Section 1: Product Description --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eVitamin B9 (folate\/folic acid) is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and repair, red blood cell production, and healthy cell division. It plays a critical role in making and repairing DNA, producing healthy red blood cells, supporting brain function and nervous system health, and enabling proper foetal development during pregnancy. Folate is the naturally occurring form found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and food fortification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \n        \u003cp\u003eThis test is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, mouth sores, or those planning pregnancy or currently pregnant. Women of childbearing age benefit significantly from folate assessment, as adequate levels before conception help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Those with coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel conditions, alcohol dependence, or taking certain medications (methotrexate, anticonvulsants) may have increased folate requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's covered in the price:\u003c\/strong\u003e You receive a venous blood collection kit and professional laboratory analysis. Because this test requires a venous blood draw, you'll need to arrange collection with a qualified phlebotomist—either at a clinic near you or through your own arrangements. A phlebotomy fee may apply separately. Your results will be ready within 2 working days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- Section 2: Results Timing --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"results-timing\"\u003e\n        \u003cstrong\u003eResults ready within 2 working days\u003c\/strong\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eYour sample goes to a UKAS accredited laboratory meeting ISO 15189 standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \n        \u003cdiv class=\"dob-notice\"\u003e\n            \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAction Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once your order confirmation arrives, please reply to the email with your date of birth. This helps us process your order quickly and avoid any delays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- Section 3: Sample Collection --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"sample-collection-section\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eVenous Test Kit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThis test requires a venous blood sample collected by a trained phlebotomist—it cannot be done with a finger-prick at home. You'll receive a collection kit containing everything the phlebotomist needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYour Options:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFind a Local Clinic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Contact our support team and we'll help you locate a nearby clinic with qualified staff to perform the blood draw.\u003c\/li\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMake Your Own Arrangements:\u003c\/strong\u003e You're welcome to arrange collection with any qualified phlebotomist or clinic of your choice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n        \n        \u003cdiv class=\"fee-notice\"\u003e\n            \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The phlebotomy service (blood draw) is not included in the test price. Clinics typically charge £20–£50 for this service. Please confirm the fee when booking your appointment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- Section 4: Special Instructions --\u003e\n    \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"vitb9-special-instructions-toggle\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"main-section\"\u003e\n        \u003clabel for=\"vitb9-special-instructions-toggle\" class=\"main-section-header\"\u003e\n            \u003ch2 class=\"main-section-title\"\u003eSpecial Instructions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"main-dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/label\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-content\"\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-inner\"\u003e\n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFasting Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 8 hours prior to your test. This is important because folate levels can be falsely elevated after eating. If you take medication, you are allowed to take it as you would normally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupplements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stop taking folic acid supplements or multivitamins containing folate for 3–5 days before your blood draw to establish accurate baseline levels. If taking biotin supplements, stop at least 72 hours before collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Vitamin B9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Folate is found naturally in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, legumes, beef liver, and fortified cereals and breads. Deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, fatigue, weakness, mouth sores, and during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects in the developing foetus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- Section 5: Biomarkers --\u003e\n    \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"vitb9-biomarkers-toggle\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"main-section\"\u003e\n        \u003clabel for=\"vitb9-biomarkers-toggle\" class=\"main-section-header\"\u003e\n            \u003ch2 class=\"main-section-title\"\u003eBiomarkers Tested (1)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"main-dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/label\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-content\"\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-inner\"\u003e\n\n                \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"vitb9-cat-vitamins\"\u003e\n                \u003cdiv class=\"category-section\"\u003e\n                    \u003clabel for=\"vitb9-cat-vitamins\" class=\"category-header\"\u003e\n                        \u003cspan class=\"category-title\"\u003eVitamins (1)\u003c\/span\u003e\n                        \u003cspan class=\"category-dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n                    \u003c\/label\u003e\n                    \u003cdiv class=\"category-content\"\u003e\n                        \u003cdiv class=\"category-biomarkers\"\u003e\n                            \n                            \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"vitb9-bio-folate\"\u003e\n                            \u003cdiv class=\"biomarker-item\"\u003e\n                                \u003clabel for=\"vitb9-bio-folate\" class=\"biomarker-header\"\u003e\n                                    \u003cspan class=\"biomarker-name\"\u003eVitamin B9 (Folate \/ Folic Acid)\u003c\/span\u003e\n                                    \u003cspan class=\"dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n                                \u003c\/label\u003e\n                                \u003cdiv class=\"biomarker-content\"\u003e\n                                    \u003cp\u003eVitamin B9 (folate\/folic acid) is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and repair, red blood cell formation, brain function, and proper nervous system development. Folate is the naturally occurring form found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and food fortification. It serves as a coenzyme for single-carbon transfer reactions critical for nucleotide synthesis and amino acid metabolism. During pregnancy, adequate folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Folate also helps regulate homocysteine levels—an amino acid associated with cardiovascular risk when elevated. Deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia (characterised by large, immature red blood cells), fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, irritability, pale skin, and mouth sores. Risk factors for deficiency include poor dietary intake, malabsorption conditions (coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease), alcohol dependence, certain medications, and increased requirements during pregnancy. Good dietary sources include leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified cereals. Results outside the normal range may need a follow-up with your GP.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                                \u003c\/div\u003e\n                            \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n                        \u003c\/div\u003e\n                    \u003c\/div\u003e\n                \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- Section 6: Medical Disclaimer --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"disclaimer-section\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eMedical Disclaimer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThis test is for screening and information only—it is not a medical diagnosis or professional advice. Please have your results reviewed by a qualified doctor or healthcare provider who can explain what they mean for your personal health situation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eIf your results show anything outside the normal range, or if you're worried about your health, see your doctor as soon as you can. Don't change any medications or treatments based on these results alone—always talk to your healthcare provider first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Medi Test Direct","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61347001827658,"sku":"TDL(FOLA)","price":49.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0944\/5926\/5354\/files\/vitamin_b9_folic_acid_venous_box.png?v=1773588892","url":"https:\/\/meditestdirect.co.uk\/products\/vitamin-b9-folic-acid-blood-test-kit","provider":"Medi Test Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}