MTHFR Genetic Test
Go beyond a folate level. See which versions of the MTHFR gene you carry. One test, for life.
- Sample
- One small tube, no fasting
- Results
- About 16 business days
- Report
- Your C677T and A1298C result
For personal testing
Financing options available through
Not available for direct purchase in CA, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA or RI. SpectraCell does not test New York residents.
What the test reads
You have two copies of the MTHFR gene, one from each parent. This gene helps your body use folate, a B vitamin. The test reads the letter at two spots on both copies. Tap a letter to see what each possible result means.
Only these two variants are tested. Your report calls them mutations. We say variants, the word the CDC uses.
What happens to your blood sample
We read two spots on your MTHFR gene, using DNA from your blood.
Watch the overview video- 1
One small tube of blood is drawn. No fasting needed. It's shipped overnight to our lab in Houston.
- 2
We take the DNA out of the white blood cells in your sample.
- 3
We read which letter sits at each spot, on both copies of the gene.
- 4
Your report lists each variant as negative, heterozygous or homozygous.
Method details for providers
Genotyping of two single-nucleotide variants in MTHFR on DNA from EDTA whole blood: c.665C>T (p.Ala222Val), known as C677T (rs1801133), and c.1286A>C (p.Glu429Ala), known as A1298C (rs1801131). Each is reported as negative, heterozygous or homozygous, with an interpretation. No other MTHFR variants are tested, and a rare variant at a primer binding site can prevent detection. Sample: one lavender-top (EDTA) tube, no fasting. Turnaround: about 16 business days from receipt.
A folate test and this test answer different questions
A folate or homocysteine test shows what's in your blood right now. This test shows the gene you were born with. Your levels can change, but your genes don't. That's why people often look at both.
Folate or homocysteine blood test
How much is in your blood right now?
It goes up and down with what you eat, the vitamins you take and your health.
MTHFR Genetic Test
Which versions of the gene were you born with?
Your result is the same at 20 and at 80, so you only test once.
A variant is a bit like a car with lower gas mileage. It can still get where it's going if the tank is full. A level test checks the tank.
The charts are an illustration, not patient data.
Common reasons people test
Select a situation to see what people in it often look at alongside this test. Whichever you choose, the test reports both variants.
Tap a situation to see what people often look at.
Often looked at together
6 results across 3 testsA blood test showed high homocysteine
MTHFR is one of several things that can raise homocysteine. Folate, B12 and B6 matter too, so people often check them together.
See the combined kits belowOften looked at together
2 results in this testA parent, child or sibling has an MTHFR variant
Each parent passes down one copy of the gene, so variants run in families. The test shows which versions you carry.
See what each result meansOften looked at together
6 results across 2 testsYou already take folate or B vitamins
No need to stop. Vitamins don't change your genes, so they won't change this result. The Micronutrient Test shows how your cells are using them.
See the Micronutrient TestOften looked at together
2 results in this testYou've read about MTHFR and want to know your own result
There's a lot written about MTHFR. This test shows which versions you actually have, so you and your provider can talk about your result instead of guessing.
See what each result meansOften looked at together
3 results across 2 testsYou're already checking your heart health with LPP Plus
LPP Plus measures homocysteine. CardiacNexus puts LPP Plus and this test in one kit.
See CardiacNexus belowOften looked at together
7 results across 3 testsYou're building a long-term picture of your health
Your MTHFR result won't change, so it stays useful next to the tests you repeat, like the Micronutrient Test and LPP Plus.
See the combined kits belowThis test doesn't diagnose or treat any condition. Review your results with a healthcare provider.
From order to results
One small tube, no fasting, shipped back the same day. Results in about 16 business days.
- Step 1
Order your kit
It comes with the tube, return packaging and a prepaid FedEx Priority Overnight label. Before you order, check that you can get a blood draw near you.
- Step 2
Get your blood drawn
No fasting needed. A draw site, clinic or mobile phlebotomist fills one lavender-top tube.
- Step 3
Ship it the same day
Draw Monday to Friday, but not on or the day before a federal holiday. Seal the tube in the silver envelope and hand it to FedEx the same day.
- Step 4
Get your results
About 16 business days after the lab receives your sample.
Your report, spot by spot
Your report lists both variants and marks each one negative, heterozygous or homozygous.
A short interpretation follows, along with what the test can't tell you.
- NegativeNeither copy has the variant
- HeterozygousOne of your two copies has it
- HomozygousBoth copies have it
Common questions
Have another question? Call us at (800) 227-5227, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm Central, or send us a message.
Do I need to fast?
No. You can eat and drink as usual before your blood draw.
Should I stop my vitamins first?
No. Vitamins and supplements don't change your genes, so they won't change your result.
Will I need to test again?
No. Your MTHFR genes don't change over your lifetime, so a single test is enough.
What do heterozygous and homozygous mean?
Heterozygous means one of your two copies has the variant. Homozygous means both copies do. Negative means neither does.
If I have a variant, am I low in folate?
Not necessarily. Many people with a variant have normal folate levels. A blood test shows your actual level.
Does this test measure folate or homocysteine?
No. It reads your genes only. LPP Plus includes homocysteine, and the Micronutrient Test measures folate, B12 and B6.
I'm pregnant or planning to be. Does my result change what I should take?
Ask your provider. The CDC says people with an MTHFR variant can use folic acid, and it recommends 400 mcg a day for anyone who could get pregnant, whatever their result.
Does the test check other genes?
No. It checks only C677T and A1298C, the two common MTHFR variants. Very rarely, another change near these spots can keep a result from being read.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. A variant doesn't mean you have, or will get, any condition. Your provider looks at your result together with your health history and other tests.
What if my sample can't be tested?
Occasionally a sample can't be tested. This is most often due to shipping delays or exposure to extreme temperatures in transit. If this happens, you can contact us about a new blood draw or a refund.
See which versions of the MTHFR gene you were born with. You only need to test once.
Not available for direct purchase in CA, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA or RI.
How Can We Help?
Have Questions? Need assistance?
If you require immediate assistance, during normal business hours Monday thru Friday 8am-6pm CST, you may either utilize our Live Agent Chat or call us at (800) 227-LABS.
After hours, please contact us by filling out and submitting the form,
we will contact you the next business day.