Mass Spectrometry

Folate plays an important role in red blood cell production and the growth of other cells. It is particularly critical during early pregnancy and can reduce the risk of birth defects. Folate deficiency is common in pregnant women, newborns with birth defects, alcohol abusers, individuals with insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, and patients with impaired structure or function of the small intestine. Severe folate deficiency may lead to megaloblastic anemia.
The most direct and reliable method for diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in red blood cells and serum. This assay kit utilizes LC-MS/MS, which has become the gold standard in clinical testing due to its excellent sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.