Ordering folate assays is no longer justified for investigation of anemias, in folic acid fortified countries.

Background: Since 1998, in the countries where there is mandatory fortification of grain products with folic acid, folate deficiency has become very rare. Consequently, we decided to find out whether there is any justification for ordering folate assays for investigation of anemias.

Methods: We reviewed serum folate (SF) and red cell folate (RF) data at two teaching hospitals in Canada.