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Evidence to Improve Care

Folate and Folic Acid Testing


Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendation

  • The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends that red blood cell folate testing be restricted to individuals with:

    • low hemoglobin levels and a high mean corpuscular volume

    • individuals with suspected gastrointestinal disorders causing malabsorption or suspected malnutrition of any cause.

Read the full OHTAC Recommendation report



Folate or folic acid is essential for the normal development of a baby’s spine, brain, and skull. Women who have low levels of folate while they are pregnant are at higher risk of having a baby with birth defects of the brain or spinal cord. Folate is also needed for red blood cells to form and grow. People with low levels of folate in their blood may develop anemia (low red blood cell count).


Health Quality Ontario Reviews Folic Acid Testing

Health Quality Ontario talked to experts to find out who would benefit most from folate and folic acid testing.


Folate and Folic Acid: An Expert Consultation (PDF)
July 2013


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The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted this recommendation.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has provided the following response: Changes to folate test coverage were made in April 2013.



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