HTA Details
Folate and Folic Acid Testing
- Publication date
-
2013-June-01
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Diabetes and Other Endocrinal, Nutritional and Metabolic
- Recommendation
-
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.
- Ministry Response
-
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted this recommendation.
-
To read the full OHTAC Recommendation Report for this topic, contact our Health Innovation team using the contact form to request a digital copy.
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).
Ontario Health talked to experts to find out who would benefit most from folate and folic acid testing.
Supporting Documents
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
