B12 and folate are important nutrients that play a critical role in several bodily functions. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for proper cell growth and development, and it plays a critical role in the production of red blood cells and the proper function of the nervous system. B12 is also involved in the metabolism of every cell in the body, particularly in the synthesis of DNA, the genetic material of all cells.
Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. Folate is also necessary for the production of red blood cells, the proper functioning of the nervous system, and the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid that can contribute to heart disease when levels are too high.
A person who is a digital nomad or works from home may want to consider getting a B12 and folate panel to check their levels of these important vitamins. Low levels of B12 and folate can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and depression. A deficiency in B12 and folate can also lead to anemia, which is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Vegetarians and vegans who do not consume animal products may be at risk for B12 deficiency, as it is mostly found in animal-derived food. Individuals who have had gastric surgery or conditions that affect the absorption of nutrients such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or pernicious anemia may also be at risk of B12 deficiency. These deficiencies are easily treated with supplements and dietary changes.
Please note: The e-lab service is currently limited to the United States. However, the service is not available for individuals that reside in AZ, NY, NJ, RI, or Puerto Rico due to restrictions on 3rd party billing. Clients must also be 18 years of age or older to consent to and purchase a lab order.
Once you purchase an e-lab service, you will receive an email with information explaining your next steps, which includes setting up an account in our HIPAA-secured patient management system called Healthie, and filling out some required forms. Healthie is the platform we use to keep your sensitive and personal health information secure. You can set up the Healthie app on your mobile device for easy access.
e-Lab orders will be generated within 3-4 hours of receipt. The requisition form is made available to you within the Healthie's e-Labs tab. The e-lab order is sent directly from Healthie to Quest labs, so clients do not need to bring any paperwork with them to their blood draw appointment other than a valid photo id. You may take a copy of the requestion form to your appointment as a back-up.
Once your requisition is ready, you will need to contact your local Quest Diagnostic facility and set up an appointment for a blood draw. Lab order results are available within 30 days. You will also receive an email from us giving you some additional information about your results.
You can find a Quest Diagnostic lab here to schedule your blood-draw appointment.
You will want to be sure that you do all of the following after purchasing your e-lab:
By clicking the “Get Started Now!” button, you will be taken to the costs and billing page for this service. Please note that just clicking the button will not obligate you to purchase the service. However, if you do purchase an e-lab service and don’t use it, the money cannot be refunded. The cost of an e-lab is out-of-pocket; however a superbill can be provided to you for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement purposes.
