B12 (Active) & RCF helps determine both your active B12 levels and your red cell folate status — key markers for energy, mood stability, and neurological function. It's an essential check if you're experiencing fatigue or brain fog.
B12 (Active) & RCF
★★★★★ (4.9/5)
Regular price
£105.00
2 Biomarkers
Turnaround times
At Clinilabs, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the fastest turnaround times.
You will start receiving dispatched results as soon as they are available and have passed our clinical validation.
Turnaround times vary by test, and by cases. Some results are available within hours while more complex tests can take days.
Please note the turnaround times are a guide and are not a guarantee.
Appointment Required
Schedule at one of our partner clinics
Professional Blood Draw
Performed by certified phlebotomists
Why Clinilabs?
Quick and accurate results
We run our own UKAS and CQC accredited laboratory and participate in 30+ external quality assurance schemes. This means we get you results you can rely on, fast.
High-quality, convenient service
With Clinilabs, you can typically book an appointment and have your results within the same day. No more waiting for weeks or months.
Early detection of health issues
Our seamless, accurate health checks allow you to Identify potential health concerns and act on them before they become serious problems.
Access to doctors
Elevate your health understanding with our comprehensive smart reports. Track, monitor and improve your health over time.
What’s included in this test
Vitamins
Vitamin B12 (Active)
Active Vitamin B12 measures the biologically available form of B12 that your body can actually use. It's key for energy, nerve health, and mental clarity.
Folate (RBC)
Folate (RBC) gives a longer-term picture of folate status by measuring levels inside red blood cells. It’s more stable than serum folate and helpful in diagnosing deficiency.
FAQs
What is RBC folate?
RBC folate refers to the amount of folate (vitamin B9) stored in your red blood cells. It gives a more accurate reflection of your long-term folate status compared to serum folate, which can fluctuate more quickly.
Why is RBC folate important?
Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and proper cell division. Adequate levels are especially important during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy, to support fetal development and prevent neural tube defects.
What is the difference between RBC folate and serum folate?
Serum folate measures short-term folate levels in your blood and can vary depending on recent food intake. RBC folate shows folate levels over the past several weeks or months, offering a more stable indicator of folate status.
What are the symptoms of low folate?
Low RBC folate can lead to fatigue, weakness, irritability, headaches, and in more serious cases, megaloblastic anemia. In pregnancy, low folate levels increase the risk of birth defects.
What is Active Vitamin B12?
Active B12 is the form of vitamin B12 that your body can actually utilise. It gives a clearer picture of how much usable B12 is available to your cells and is often a more accurate way to check your B12 status than the standard total B12 test.
Can I have normal total B12 but low Active B12?
Yes, it’s possible to have normal total B12 levels but still be functionally deficient. That’s because the standard B12 test measures both active and inactive forms of the vitamin, and only the active form is utilised by your body. So even if your total B12 appears normal, you might not have enough of the type your body needs to function properly.
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