Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
The Continued Need for the Routine Assessment of Folate Status
Bremansu Osa-Andrews1, Melissa Sanchez2, Ibrahim A Hashim1,2
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Objective:
The Choosing Wisely initiative recommended cessation of folate measurement, suggesting folate supplementation in macrocytic anemia. This study reviewed the need for continued blood folate testing at a large SafetyNet county teaching hospital.
Methods:
Red blood cell (RBC) folate, vitamin B12, iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin results were obtained for utilization review.
Results:
Of the 593 RBC folate results, 69 (11.7%) were deficient and 30 (5%) had high values. Collectively, 369 (73.9%) had normal vitamin B12 levels, 342 (70%) had low hemoglobin, 184 (62.5) had normal and 57 (19.4%) had low ferritin, 122 (38.2%) had normal and 188 (59%) had low iron levels. A total of 41 (12%) had normal folate, low ferritin, low hemoglobin, and low iron, suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. There were 11 patients who exhibited low folate, low or normal ferritin, low hemoglobin, and low iron levels, suggesting combined folate and iron deficiency anemias.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the need for institutions to assess the applicability of national recommendations to their local population.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:30Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...