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FRAT®(Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test) is a diagnostic blood test that screens for autoantibodies to the Folate Receptor Alpha (FRa), known as Folate Receptor Autoantibodies.
The presence of Folate Receptor Autoantibodies suggests that folate (vitamin B9), which is an essential vitamin for proper growth and neurological function, is not being properly transported to the brain and into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), among other tissues where Folate Receptor Alpha may be found.
Patients Tested
Please see our
Common Publications page for more information.
Positive Results
Physicians Prescribed
Conference Partners
The early detection of folate receptor autoantibodies is necessary because it can lead to timely diagnosis and appropriate management of conditions associated with these autoantibodies. Folate receptor autoantibodies have been found in Cerebral Folate Deficiency Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Schizophrenia, Depression and Neural Tube Defects, among other neurodevelopmental disorders.
The timely initiation of appropriate treatment, such as alternate reduced folates and/or dietary adjustments, may lead to optimal outcomes and improved overall prognosis for the individual.
As with any medical test, the interpretation of the results and the subsequent treatment plan should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
We continuously research the significance of folate receptor autoantibodies and their implications in various neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders.
"What does a central nervous system deprived of a key nutrient look like? In my case, it looked like bipolar disorder, psychosis, and a personality disorder. This presentation led to heavy-handed and wildly ineffective treatments. Fortunately, I found integrative clinicians like Dr. Mary and Dr. Steve Rondeau at the Wholeness Center. They saw my failure to respond to standard care as a clue that something benign might actually soothe my nervous system and reduce my aggressive, bipolar, and psychotic behaviors.
By running a FRAT® test, we discovered that my brain and body were unable to absorb folate-a B9 vitamin. Years of my life were spent on toxic treatments without symptom remission. With the right diagnostics, we found objective data showing what was beneath my neuropsychiatric symptoms. This restored my health and dignity.
The FRAT® test revealed a positive folate receptor autoantibody that inhibited folate binding at the receptor site, in addition to a homozygous MTHFR mutation. With deeper diagnostic testing, we could finally correct the course of treatment and provide a form of folate that crossed the blood-brain barrier to feed my hungry CNS.
I wish every clinician treating patients with mood and behavioral symptoms would screen for this antibody to ensure humane, dignified, and effective treatment."
CELESTE BRINKERHOFF
“FRAT® changed the course of my daughter’s life and our family’s. A simple blood test led our physician on the right path for treatment and today she is thriving! As a parent, you can’t ask for anything more. This would not have happened if we didn’t use FRAT® to screen for folate receptor autoantibodies. We are forever grateful!”
DEANNA H.
“Having a child with ASD is challenging. Even more challenging is navigating what programs, treatments, therapies, and diets will help them improve; this was overwhelming for us at first. We are so thankful for our knowledgeable doctor and for the FRAT® test because our child has improved in so many facets – his speech, his socialization, his attention span – it has been remarkable. Thank you, again.”
MAXWELL M.
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