[Appropriate use of laboratory tests – serum folate testing]
Gonthier K, Neveu B, Robitaille H
Record ID 32018015604
French
Original Title:
Utilisation judicieuse des analyses biomédicales ‒ Dosage des folates sériques
Authors' objectives:
Serum folate testing raises several issues concerning its clinical relevance, notably due
to the lack of data supporting its utility in persons at risk of deficiency, especially in
countries with policies mandating folic acid fortification in food, such as Canada. In
Québec, frequent use of this test persists. The objective of this work is to develop a
guidance sheet to support appropriate use, in order to reduce the volume of procedures
with low added value within Québec’s healthcare system.
Authors' results and conclusions:
RESULTS: Serum folate testing is not indicated for:
• routine screening for folate deficiency in asymptomatic persons;
• persons receiving folic acid supplementation;
• persons with a normal complete blood count (CBC) test result.
Serum folate testing may be indicated:
• when signs or symptoms of folate deficiency are present, in persons with
macrocytic anemia that is not explained by vitamin B12 deficiency CONCLUSION: The guidance sheet that was developed aims to engage, guide, and support healthcare
professionals in promoting the appropriate use of serum folate testing. It may thus
contribute to reduce the annual number of test requests and associated costs and
workload, while also generating a positive environmental impact.
Authors' methods:
A review of the literature on the indications and recommendations related to serum folate
testing was conducted using INESSS’s rapid review methodology. Healthcare
professionals provided experiential and contextual knowledge specific to Québec.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2026
URL for published report:
https://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/INESSS/Rapports/Biologie_medicale/AnBio_FOLATE_GN_INESSS.pdf
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Other
Country:
Canada
Province:
Quebec
MeSH Terms
- Diagnostic Tests, Routine
- Hematologic Tests
- Medical Overuse
- Folic Acid
- Folic Acid Deficiency
- Blood Chemical Analysis
Contact
Organisation Name:
Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux
Contact Address:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS) , 2021, avenue Union, bureau 10.083, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2S9;Tel: 1+514-873-2563, Fax: 1+514-873-1369
Contact Name:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Contact Email:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Copyright:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS)
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