At PediaLabs, we provide FRAT® blood draws for children and adults and handle the specimen preparation and shipping process so families don’t have to worry about what happens after the blood is collected.
FRAT® Test Prep Checklist
- Do not take folinic acid or 5-MTHF for 48 hours before your blood draw.
- No special diet is required unless your healthcare provider gives you additional instructions.
- Stay well hydrated before your appointment to help make the blood draw easier.
- Allow up to six weeks for results from the date the laboratory receives the specimen.
What Is FRAT® Testing?
FRAT® stands for Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test.
It is a blood test that looks for antibodies that may interfere with the body’s ability to transport folate where it is needed. The test measures two types of folate receptor autoantibodies:
- Blocking autoantibodies
- Binding autoantibodies
These antibodies can interfere with folate transport, including the movement of folate into the brain and central nervous system.
FRAT® testing may be ordered as part of a healthcare provider’s evaluation when there are concerns about folate transport or conditions associated with cerebral folate deficiency.
Why Is FRAT® Testing Used?
Folate plays an important role in many functions throughout the body, including neurological development and function. In some patients, folate receptor autoantibodies can interfere with the normal transport of folate.
A healthcare provider may order FRAT® testing when they want to determine whether these antibodies are present and whether they could be contributing to a patient’s symptoms or medical concerns.
FRAT® testing may be considered for some children with autism, developmental concerns, neurological symptoms, or other conditions in which folate transport may be relevant.
Why Is FRAT® Testing Used?
Folate plays an important role in many functions throughout the body, including neurological development and function. In some patients, folate receptor autoantibodies can interfere with the normal transport of folate.
A healthcare provider may order FRAT® testing when they want to determine whether these antibodies are present and whether they could be contributing to a patient’s symptoms or medical concerns.
FRAT® testing may be considered for some children with autism, developmental concerns, neurological symptoms, or other conditions in which folate transport may be relevant.
How Do You Prepare for a FRAT® Test?
This is the most important part of preparing for your blood draw.
1. Stop Folinic Acid and 5-MTHF for 48 Hours
Patients must not take folinic acid or 5-MTHF for 48 hours before the FRAT® blood draw.
These supplements can affect the test results, so following the full 48-hour restriction is important.
If you are unsure whether one of your supplements contains folinic acid or 5-MTHF, review the label or ask your healthcare provider before your appointment.
Do not stop prescription medications or other supplements unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so.
2. You Do Not Need to Follow a Special Diet
There are no specific foods that patients need to avoid based on the standard FRAT® preparation instructions.
Unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions, you can follow your normal diet before the blood draw.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water before a blood draw can make veins easier to locate and can help the appointment go more smoothly.
This can be especially helpful for children or anyone who has previously been difficult to draw.
4. Follow Any Additional Instructions From Your Provider
Your healthcare provider may give you additional instructions based on your individual medical history, medications, supplements, or treatment plan.
Those instructions should always take priority.
What Happens During a FRAT® Blood Draw?
A FRAT® test requires a blood sample.
PediaLabs performs the blood draw and handles the shipping process for FRAT® specimens. This helps ensure the sample is prepared and transported according to the test requirements.
For families with children who are nervous about blood draws, having an experienced pediatric phlebotomist can make a significant difference. PediaLabs specializes in working with children, including autistic children, children who are anxious about needles, and patients who have been difficult to draw in the past.
Our goal is to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Do I Need to Have a FRAT® Test Kit?
Yes. Patients should have their FRAT® test kit before scheduling the blood draw.
The kit may be provided by the ordering healthcare provider, or the FRAT® testing company may ship it directly to the patient.
Once you receive the kit, you can schedule your blood draw with PediaLabs. PediaLabs will perform the blood collection and handle the specimen shipping according to the test requirements.
If you have not received your kit yet, contact your healthcare provider or the testing company before scheduling your appointment.
How Long Do FRAT® Results Take?
FRAT® reporting can take up to six weeks from the date the specimen is received by the laboratory.
That means the six-week timeframe begins when the testing laboratory receives your sample, not necessarily on the date of your blood draw.
Once testing is complete, your healthcare provider will receive the results and review them with you.
What Happens After You Receive Your FRAT® Results?
Your healthcare provider will review the results and explain what they mean in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and treatment plan. If folate receptor autoantibodies are detected, your provider can discuss whether additional evaluation or treatment is appropriate.
PediaLabs performs the blood collection and specimen shipping but does not diagnose medical conditions or determine treatment based on FRAT® results.
FRAT® Blood Draws With PediaLabs
Blood draws can be challenging for anyone, but they can be especially stressful for children and patients who have had difficult experiences in the past.
PediaLabs provides experienced phlebotomy services for children and adults throughout the Phoenix area.
Our team is especially skilled at working with:
- Children who are nervous about blood draws
- Autistic children
- Patients with difficult-to-find veins
- Patients who have had unsuccessful blood draws in the past
- Families who prefer the comfort and convenience of a mobile blood draw
For FRAT® testing, PediaLabs can perform the blood draw and handle specimen shipping so you have one less part of the process to manage.
If your healthcare provider has ordered FRAT® testing, contact PediaLabs to learn more or schedule your blood draw.
