Vitamin B12 & Folate Test
Who is getting tested? *
Our Vitamin B12 and Folate Panel measures the levels of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and folate (B9) in your blood.
Must be 18+ years of age to purchase
Orders not permitted in: AK, HI, AZ
Blood (venipuncture—a needle is used to draw blood from a vein)
The Vitamin B12 and Folate Test measures the level of the vitamin B12 and folate in your blood. Vitamin B12 and folate are essential nutrients that are necessary for producing and maintaining red and white blood cells, supporting the nervous system, and helping to create DNA, the basis of all cells.
Vitamin B12 and folate must be supplied by the diet or through supplementation because the body is not able to produce them. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency (low levels of vitamin B12 or folate) may be due to limited dietary intake, poor absorption, advanced age, certain medical conditions, or some medications. Low levels of vitamin B12 and folate can lead to anemia, nervous system conditions, and a variety of health issues. This test can help determine whether you have a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

The benefits of testing
You can get the information you need to support a healthy life - for yourself.

Take control of your health
Conveniently shop and pay online for lab tests without a doctor's visit. An independent physician will review your request and if appropriate, confirm your order and offer oversight.

Schedule and manage your appointments
Conveniently schedule your appointment online at one of our Quest Diagnostics locations. Certain tests may also offer self-testing home delivery.

Get your reliable results online fast
View your results through your secure account online. And it's easy to share the result with your doctor.
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells due to insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 or folate (vitamin B9). Both of these vitamins are needed to make red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen to all parts of your body. Your body cannot function normally without an adequate supply of oxygen-rich RBCs.
Vegetarians and vegans who want to increase their vitamin B12 intake may consider fortified foods, such as nutritional yeast, cereal grains, and plant-based milk, or taking a B12 supplement to replenish the body's stores of this essential vitamin.
If you're pregnant or planning to conceive, it's important to take a folic acid supplement. Folic acid helps form the neural tube during the early stages of pregnancy and is crucial for reducing major congenital disabilities of the spine (spina bifida) and brain (anencephaly). Prenatal vitamins contain both vitamin B12 and folic acid and may be recommended by your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.