If you are looking for a FRAT / FOLR1 antibody blood test in Chandigarh, Altus Lab offers this specialist metabolic diagnostic test with free home collection across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. The FRAT (Folate Receptor Antibody Test) detects autoantibodies against the Folate Receptor 1 (FOLR1) — a protein essential for transporting folate into the brain and cerebrospinal fluid. When these antibodies block FOLR1, the brain becomes depleted of folate even when blood folate levels are entirely normal. This condition, known as Cerebral Folate Deficiency (CFD), has been increasingly recognised as an underlying and treatable cause of autism spectrum disorder, infantile-onset seizures, and neurodevelopmental regression.
Our lab is founded and led by an Ex-PGIMER Chandigarh doctor with over 13 years of specialist diagnostic experience. Altus Lab processes FRAT/FOLR1 antibody testing with specialist oversight, and our reports are accepted by paediatric neurologists, metabolic disease specialists, and developmental paediatricians at PGIMER Chandigarh, Fortis Mohali, and Max Hospital.
What Is Cerebral Folate Deficiency (CFD)?
Cerebral Folate Deficiency (CFD) is a neurological syndrome in which 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) — the active folate that the brain needs — is severely depleted in the cerebrospinal fluid, despite normal levels in the blood. The most common cause of CFD, particularly in children with autism, is the presence of Folate Receptor Autoantibodies (FRAAs) that block FOLR1 on the choroid plexus — the tissue responsible for transporting folate into the brain. Because standard blood folate levels are normal, CFD is consequently missed entirely by routine testing.
FRAT / FOLR1 Antibody Test — What It Measures
| Antibody Type | What It Does | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Blocking FRAA | Blocks folate receptor — prevents folate entry into brain | Most clinically significant; strongly associated with Cerebral Folate Deficiency and autism |
| Binding FRAA | Binds to folate receptor without completely blocking it | May cause partial CFD; clinical significance is being actively studied |
Who Should Get a FRAT / FOLR1 Antibody Test?
- Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — particularly those with regression, speech loss, or developmental plateau
- Children with unexplained infantile-onset seizures or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Children with neurological deterioration, hypotonia, ataxia, or movement disorders of unknown cause
- Children with low CSF 5-MTHF on lumbar puncture with normal serum folate
- Patients referred by paediatric neurologists at PGIMER Chandigarh for metabolic workup
- Siblings of children with confirmed FRAA positivity — as familial clustering has been reported
- Adults with treatment-resistant depression, schizophrenia, or unexplained neuropsychiatric symptoms where standard treatments have failed
FRAT Positivity and Autism — What the Research Shows
Multiple published studies have found that a significant proportion of children with non-syndromic autism spectrum disorder test positive for Folate Receptor Autoantibodies. In a landmark study by Frye et al., approximately 75% of children with autism had detectable FRAAs — a dramatically higher prevalence than in the general population. Crucially, high-dose folinic acid (leucovorin) supplementation — which bypasses the blocked FOLR1 receptor — has been shown in randomised controlled trials to significantly improve communication, social interaction, and cognitive function in FRAA-positive autistic children.
This consequently makes FRAT testing one of the most actionable biomarker tests available for children with autism — because a positive result identifies a specific, treatable metabolic mechanism. Please consult your child’s paediatric neurologist at PGIMER or a specialist in metabolic neurology before starting folinic acid supplementation, as dosing requires medical supervision.
Why Choose Altus Lab for FRAT Testing in Chandigarh?
- Founded by an Ex-PGIMER Chandigarh Doctor — specialist metabolic diagnostics with 13+ years of experience
- Reports Accepted at PGIMER Paediatric Neurology — supporting the most specialist care pathway available in North India
- Free Home Collection — across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur, and Kharar
- Clinical Context Provided — our reports include clinical interpretation notes for the referring paediatric neurologist
- Digital Reports via WhatsApp and Email — for immediate sharing with your specialist
Frequently Asked Questions — FRAT / FOLR1 Antibody Test in Chandigarh
My child has autism. Does a positive FRAT result mean they will improve with folinic acid?
A positive FRAT result identifies a specific treatable metabolic mechanism — Cerebral Folate Deficiency — as a contributing factor. Clinical trials have shown significant improvement in communication and social behaviour in FRAA-positive autistic children treated with high-dose folinic acid. However, treatment response varies between individuals, and the dose and protocol must be managed by a qualified paediatric neurologist or metabolic specialist. Please consult PGIMER Chandigarh’s paediatric neurology department for evaluation and treatment planning.
Is this the same as a standard folate blood test?
No — they are completely different tests. A standard serum folate test measures folate levels in the blood. The FRAT/FOLR1 antibody test detects autoantibodies that block folate from entering the brain. A child with Cerebral Folate Deficiency typically has normal or even high blood folate — so a standard folate test will entirely miss the diagnosis. Only the FRAT/FOLR1 antibody test can identify this specific mechanism.
How long do FRAT results take at Altus Lab Chandigarh?
FRAT/FOLR1 antibody testing is a specialist assay with a turnaround time of approximately 7–10 working days. We will provide you with an exact collection and reporting timeline at the time of booking. Results are delivered digitally via WhatsApp and email for immediate sharing with your specialist.
Can FRAT testing be done at home in Chandigarh?
Yes. Altus Lab provides free home blood sample collection for FRAT/FOLR1 testing across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. Call 0172-5017001 or WhatsApp us to book. Please bring your child’s referral letter from their paediatric neurologist or developmental paediatrician when calling to book.
Book Your FRAT / FOLR1 Antibody Test in Chandigarh Today
For children with autism, seizures, or unexplained neurological regression, FRAT testing can identify a specific and treatable metabolic cause. Book at Altus Lab today for specialist-reviewed results accepted at PGIMER Chandigarh paediatric neurology and all major Tricity specialist centres.
Call Now: 0172-5017001 / 0172-5017002
Available: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM Daily
Free Home Collection: Chandigarh | Mohali | Panchkula | Zirakpur
Founded by Ex-PGIMER Doctor | Own In-House Lab | Results in 7–10 Working Days