Patient Preparation: Fasting is not required. 

Do not take vitamins containing folic acid three to five days prior to testing.

Also known as:  RBC Folate; hematocrit

Folate, RBC is primarily ordered to help evaluate megaloblastic and macrocytic anemia and sometimes can also be ordered with Vitamin B12. They are ordered as follow-up tests when high RBCs and a decreased hemoglobin concentration are seen during a CBC test. Folate (B9), B12, and other tests may be ordered to help evaluate the health and nutritional status of a patient with signs of significant malnutrition or malabsorption.