Folate Receptor Antibody (FRAT) Testing for Children in Leicester

Folate Receptor Antibody (FRAT) Testing for Children in Leicester

Consultant-Led Paediatric Assessment, Testing and Treatment at The Health Suite Leicester

Advanced investigation for selected children with neurodevelopmental, cognitive or neurological concerns, supported by full consultant paediatric oversight, interpretation and treatment at The Health Suite Leicester.

What Is the Folate Receptor Antibody (FRAT) Test?

The Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) detects autoantibodies that interfere with the transport of folate (vitamin B9) into the brain and central nervous system.

Folate is essential for:

  • Brain development
  • Neurotransmitter synthesis
  • DNA methylation
  • Cognitive and behavioural regulation

In some children, folate transport into the brain may be impaired even when blood folate levels are normal, leading to a functional cerebral folate deficiency. FRAT testing helps identify this mechanism.

The test measures two antibody types:

  • Blocking antibodies – prevent folate binding to its receptor
  • Binding antibodies – reduce receptor function

Both are clinically relevant when interpreting neurodevelopmental presentations.

Why Is FRAT Testing Important in Children?

In carefully selected cases, folate receptor antibodies have been associated with:

  • Autism spectrum conditions
  • Developmental delay (speech, language or cognition)
  • Learning and attention difficulties
  • Behavioural dysregulation
  • Fatigue or neurological symptoms without a clear cause

Identifying folate receptor antibodies allows targeted, evidence-based treatment, rather than non-specific supplementation.

Consultant-Led Paediatric Care

All paediatric FRAT testing at The Health Suite is clinically assessed, interpreted and managed by Dr Gururaj Setty, Consultant Paediatrician.

This ensures:

  • Appropriate clinical selection for testing
  • Full developmental and medical assessment
  • Safe interpretation of results
  • Ability to prescribe medication where indicated
  • Clear follow-up and monitoring

This is a medical pathway, not a screening test.

Who Should Consider FRAT Testing for Their Child?

FRAT testing may be considered where a child has:

  • Autism spectrum diagnosis or suspected ASD (in appropriate clinical contexts)
  • Suspected Cerebral Folate Deficiency Syndrome
  • Developmental delay (speech, learning or behaviour)
  • Unexplained neurological or cognitive symptoms
  • Poor response to standard nutritional interventions
  • Family history of autoimmune disease
  • Suspected folate transport or methylation issues

Testing is offered only after a consultant has assessed the individual, and the blood test needs to happen on Monday to Thursday Mornings.

Book Paediatric FRAT TestingPlease book online or call us on 0116 2410010. Located in Thurnby, Leicester — serving the East Midlands region.

Why choose The Health Suite for Folate Receptor Antibody (FRAT) Testing for Children?

Consultant-Led Care

All assessments, testing and treatment are overseen by experienced consultants, ensuring safe, evidence-based and personalised medical care.

Integrated, Doctor-Led Pathways

We combine diagnostics, clinical expertise and tailored treatment plans under one roof for clear, coordinated and effective outcomes.

Trusted Specialist Centre

Based in Leicester and serving patients nationwide, The Health Suite is known for transparent pricing, advanced investigations and a patient-centred approach.

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Folate Receptor Antibody (FRAT) Testing for Children in Leicester

Treatment options and pricing

Browse and click below to book any of our available services.

60 Minutes: £450

FRAT Test Initial Paediatric Consultation

A detailed consultant-led paediatric assessment reviewing development, behaviour, nutrition, medical history and prior tests to decide if FRAT testing is appropriate.

Included in the FRAT Test Initial Paediatric Consultation

A comprehensive assessment with the consultant paediatrician, including:

* Developmental and neurological history
* Behavioural and cognitive review
* Nutritional and medical background
* Review of previous investigations
* Clinical decision-making regarding FRAT testing

£350

FRAT Blood Test

Detects blocking and binding folate receptor antibodies. Simple sample sent to a specialist lab; temporary supplement pause may be needed.

Included in the FRAT Blood Test

* Simple blood sample
* Sent to a specialist reference laboratory
* Measures blocking and binding folate receptor antibodies

You may need to stop taking folic acid, folinic acid and 5-MTHF for 48 hours before the test. If you are receiving immunoglobulin therapy, please wait until 3 months after treatment before undergoing the test. * The blood test needs to happen on Monday to Thursday Mornings.

30 Minutes: £250

FRAT Results Review & Follow-Up

Personalised explanation, symptom correlation, tailored management plan, and ongoing monitoring.

Included in the FRAT Results Review & Follow-Up

* Detailed explanation of results
* Correlation with clinical symptoms
* Individualised management plan
* Monitoring and follow-up strategy

If folate receptor antibodies are identified, the consultant paediatrician can initiate and prescribe appropriate medication, where clinically indicated.

This may include:

  • Prescription folate therapy (e.g. calcium folinate rather than standard folic acid)
  • Optimisation of supporting B-vitamins (B12, B6, riboflavin)
  • Nutritional and dietary strategies to support methylation
  • Autoimmune-modulating approaches where appropriate
  • Ongoing developmental and clinical monitoring

All treatment is age-appropriate, evidence-based and medically supervised.

FAQ

Common Q&A about Folate Receptor Antibody (FRAT) Testing for Children

Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.

Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.

The Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) is a blood test that measures antibodies which block or interfere with the transport of folate (vitamin B9) into the brain and nervous system. This can cause a functional folate deficiency even when blood folate levels appear normal.

FRAT testing may be considered in selected children with autism spectrum conditions, developmental delay, learning or behavioural difficulties, unexplained neurological symptoms, or poor response to standard nutritional support, following consultant paediatric assessment.

All paediatric FRAT testing at The Health Suite is assessed, interpreted and managed by a consultant paediatrician, Dr Guru Setty, ensuring safe clinical governance and appropriate follow-up.

No. Fasting is not required for FRAT testing. Children may eat and drink normally unless advised otherwise during their consultation.

The test involves a simple blood sample taken by a trained healthcare professional. The sample is sent to a specialist reference laboratory that measures both blocking and binding folate receptor antibodies.

Due to specialist laboratory processing and high demand, FRAT test results currently take approximately 4–8 weeks to return.

FRAT testing is not routinely available on the NHS and is usually accessed through private specialist services where results can be appropriately interpreted and acted upon.

The consultant paediatrician will review the results in detail, correlate them with your child’s symptoms and development, and create a personalised management plan.

Yes. Where clinically indicated, the consultant paediatrician can prescribe medication to treat folate transport deficiency, such as prescription folate therapy (e.g. calcium folinate), alongside nutritional and monitoring strategies.

Yes. National referrals are welcome, and many families travel from across the UK to The Health Suite for consultant-led paediatric FRAT assessment and treatment.

Meet our Folate Receptor Antibody (FRAT) Testing for Children Clinicians

Meet our dedicated team at The Health Suite Leicester, where skilled professionals are committed to providing exceptional care tailored to your medical and wellness needs.

Dr Gururaj Setty

Dr Gururaj Setty

Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician