A specialist blood test that looks for autoantibodies affecting how folate (vitamin B9) reaches the brain and other tissues. It is one piece of a broader assessment — not a standalone diagnosis. Call Tri-Health to get started.
Call (905) 605-9355 Book on JaneFRAT® stands for Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (also called Folate Receptor Antibody Test). It is a laboratory assay performed by ReligenDX that screens blood for autoantibodies directed at folate receptor alpha (FRα).
Folate is essential for growth, methylation and neurological function. Folate receptor alpha helps move active folate across the blood–brain barrier into cerebrospinal fluid. Autoantibodies to that receptor may interfere with that transport in some people.
FRAT® reports both blocking autoantibodies (which can stop folate from binding the receptor) and binding autoantibodies (which may alter receptor position or function). Titers are included when antibodies are found.
A FRAT® result does not diagnose autism, cerebral folate deficiency or any other condition on its own. Results are reviewed with Tri-Health alongside your history, symptoms and other investigations before next steps are recommended.
Call Tri-Health to ask whether testing makes sense for you or your family. Situations where FRAT® is sometimes discussed include:
The kit is mailed to you. Blood is drawn at a local lab — not at our clinic. Sample handling follows ReligenDX kit instructions for Canadian shipments.
Phone (905) 605-9355 to ask about FRAT®, pricing and whether it fits your situation. We’ll walk you through the next steps.
A ReligenDX FRAT® collection kit is mailed directly to your address, with tubes, shipping materials and instructions.
Stop folinic acid and 5-MTHF for 48 hours before the blood draw (per ReligenDX). Fasting is not required.
Have your blood collected in the kit’s SST (serum separator) tube at a local lab. Pack and ship the sample back to ReligenDX with the frozen ice pack, following the kit instructions. Then call Tri-Health to review your results when they are ready.
Call Tri-Health to go over your report. ReligenDX does not discuss individual results directly with patients or families.
One or both autoantibody types were detected, with titer levels reported. This indicates the antibodies were present at the time of testing. It does not by itself diagnose CFD, autism or another named condition.
Antibodies were not found on this sample. Levels can fluctuate (diet and immune status may play a role). If symptoms persist, Tri-Health may discuss retesting later — often after several months.
Plans are individualized. Literature and integrative practice sometimes discuss alternate reduced folates, dietary adjustments and addressing co-factors — always with guidance from Tri-Health. Related labs (e.g. methylation or nutrient panels) may also be considered.
Call for pricing
We’ll quote the current Tri-Health fee when you call — including the kit mailed to you. Local labs may charge separately for the blood draw.
Fees are typically paid out of pocket; insurance reimbursement is uncommon. If FRAT® is part of a larger care package, ask about payment plans when you call.
Common questions from families and adults in Vaughan, Woodbridge, Maple, Kleinburg and Concord.
FRAT® is the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test (Folate Receptor Antibody Test). It measures autoantibodies to folate receptor alpha in a blood (serum) sample.
Call Tri-Health Wellness Centre at (905) 605-9355. We’re at 8611 Weston Rd #4, Woodbridge, ON L4L 9P1. We’ll explain pricing and how to proceed.
No. FRAT® does not diagnose autism. Some research has explored folate-receptor autoantibodies in people with autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental concerns. It may be one data point within a broader assessment — never a label or a cure.
The FRAT® kit is mailed directly to you. Blood is drawn at a local lab (not at Tri-Health) using the kit’s SST tube, then packed and shipped to ReligenDX with the cold pack per the kit instructions.
No fasting is required. You should stop folinic acid and 5-MTHF supplements for 48 hours before the blood draw, because those can affect quantitative results.
A serum sample collected in an SST (serum separator) tube at a local lab, then shipped to ReligenDX according to the kit instructions (cold pack; same-day shipping preferred).
It means blocking and/or binding folate-receptor autoantibodies were detected, with titers reported. Call Tri-Health to review the report with your history and other findings — a positive result is not a diagnosis by itself.
Call for pricing. Phone (905) 605-9355 and we’ll quote the current fee before you proceed. If FRAT® is part of a larger care package, ask about payment plans when you call.
Often yes. Many people also use LifeLabs, Dynacare, Doctor’s Data or other functional panels we offer when methylation, nutrient status or related pathways are part of the picture. Call us and we’ll help you choose what is useful — not a stack of unnecessary tests.
Call us and we’ll help you decide whether this test belongs in your plan.
Call (905) 605-9355 Book on JaneExternal lab reference: fratnow.com (ReligenDX). Tri-Health is not affiliated with Religen beyond arranging this test for patients when appropriate.