FRAT^® is an acronym for Folate Receptor Antibody Test. This test (which is a blood test) measures the presence of antibodies to the Folate receptor. The Folate receptor is responsible for transporting Folate into various tissues such as the brain, placenta and ovaries. Folate, a vitamin B9, is critical for proper human growth and development. It is also necessary for maintaining a healthy nervous system throughout – contributing to normal nerve maintenance and proper brain function. Unhindered delivery of Folate to the brain is essential for a healthy, functioning brain.

If antibodies to the Folate receptor are present, then there is an indication that Folate is not being properly distributed across the blood brain barrier, or into other important tissues such as the placenta and ovaries. In these instances, Folate is either being “blocked” or “binded” by these antibodies, ultimately impeding its proper delivery.

FRAT^® consists of 2 parts – a blocking assay and a binding assay. “Assay” is the technical laboratory term for a quantitative test of a substance. In other words, the FRAT^® “assays” quantify the amount of blocking antibodies and binding antibodies present. Both types of antibodies inhibit the transport of Folate to tissues such as the brain. Blocking antibodies directly block the access of Folate to the receptor, while binding antibodies are thought to affect the general position of the receptor so that Folate can't get through it and into the tissue properly. Indirectly, the assays inform us about the availability of Folate (and its active form called 5-MTHF) in these tissues.

Some children with ASD or CFD or related disorders can have either one of these antibodies (blocking or binding) or both. We screen for both categories of antibodies to ensure that no positive samples are missed.

The assays are not simple to do and the performance of each assay takes two or three days, because of the need for overnight incubations. Turn-around time is generally 2 to 4 weeks.

We have a series of checks and balances in place to ensure that all steps in the assay are carried out correctly. Each assay has to be validated using strict criteria. We strive to reduce variability and maintain consistency from one assay to the next. Sometimes an assay needs to be repeated because the result is equivocal or borderline, for reasons not always known.

Antibodies tend to fluctuate over time. The causes are not always known. In some cases the increased intake of cow's milk elevates the levels of the antibodies and removal of milk from diet tends to lower the levels in some children.

No, fasting is NOT necessary. If you are taking Folinic Acid or 5-MTHF supplements please withdraw from these supplements for a period of 48 hours prior to blood draw.

Yes. If you are taking Folinic Acid or 5-MTHF supplements, please withdraw from these supplements for a period of 48 hours prior to blood draw. Sometimes, these supplements may affect the quantitative results of FRAT^® if they are still in the system.

As a general principle, any prolonged removal of samples from refrigeration can damage the antibodies and lead to reductions in their levels. However, the antibodies should be stable for 1-2 days at room temperature.

There are no large, systematic studies in such children, but a number of publications indicate that some patients with these disorders also have these antibodies. Further, larger studies are needed.

The incidence of antibodies in children without neurological disorders is about 2-3%, and in the population at large it tends to increase with age, reaching 10-15% after age of 65.

According to published studies some 20-30% of mothers or fathers of children with ASD have these antibodies.

At this time, the tests are not reimbursed by insurance companies. We are working, however, to have these tests covered.

The price for FRAT^® is $295.00 for both assays. We accept all major credit cards and checks for payment.

There is NO cost for the FRAT^® kit. We send that to you free of charge.

Please note that the patient is responsible for the cost of sending the sample to our laboratory. We do this so that you have the flexibility of choosing your own shipping carrier (i.e Federal Express, UPS, USPS etc.).

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Yes, FRAT^® is performed in a CLIA certified lab. The CLIA # is 39D2109943. A copy of the certificate is available by clicking Here