Iron & Folate Blood Test

6 Biomarkers | Venous Blood Test | CE-marked | UKAS-accredited | Doctor-reviewed results with personalised interpretation.

An iron and folate profile checking iron status markers alongside folate. Designed for people investigating fatigue, low energy or nutrient-related causes of feeling run down, this test gives clear, clinically reviewed insight so you can understand your results and know what to do next.

Results are typically available within 2 working days from when your sample reaches the laboratory (excluding weekends and bank holidays).

£69.00

Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Choose your sample collection method: Book a venous draw at our Livingston clinic Book a venous draw at home with a nurse +£63 Self-arrange a professional sample collection Partner clinic visit + £35.00

Folate

Ferritin
Iron
Total Iron Binding Capacity
Transferrin Saturation
Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

Fasting required 8–12 h before the test (water only) recommended for glucose, cholesterol/triglyceride accuracy
Sample timing: between 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Stay hydrated; avoid strenuous exercise, heavy meals, and supplements (iron, B12, multivitamins, biotin) for 48 hours prior
Continue prescribed medications unless otherwise directed

Frequently asked questions

It is for adults investigating anaemia or its symptoms, including tiredness, breathlessness, pallor and palpitations. It measures ferritin and iron status alongside folate and a full blood count.

Both are required to produce healthy red blood cells, but deficiency in each produces a different pattern, with iron deficiency causing small cells and folate deficiency causing large ones. Testing both identifies which is responsible, and it is possible to be low in both at once.

Yes, ideally for one to two weeks, and at minimum avoid taking a dose on the morning of your test. Iron supplements raise serum iron within hours and produce a falsely reassuring result.

The morning, before any supplement. Serum iron is highest in the morning and declines through the day, so consistent morning testing makes results comparable if you retest later.

Folate is critical before conception and in early pregnancy for neural tube development, and supplementation is recommended from before conception through the first trimester. Testing can confirm your status, but follow your midwife's or GP's supplementation advice regardless of the result.