Folate plays a critical role in brain development, neurotransmitter synthesis, DNA repair, methylation, and normal neurological function.

In some individuals, the immune system produces autoantibodies against the folate receptor alpha (FRα), a protein responsible for transporting folate across the blood-brain barrier. These autoantibodies may interfere with folate transport into the central nervous system despite normal blood folate levels.

FRAT® measures folate receptor autoantibodies and helps identify patients who may have impaired cerebral folate transport, a condition that has been associated with cerebral folate deficiency, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, neurological disorders, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.