Described herein are antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof, that are specific for folate receptor alpha, related polynucleotides, expression vectors, and cells that express the described antibodies. Also provided are methods of using the described antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof, and related kits. Provided herein are also methods for diagnosing cancers, such as breast cancer, thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, ovarian cancer, or lung cancer, using the described antibodies, and antigen-binding fragments thereof. The methods involve determining the amount of folate receptor alpha in a sample derived from a subject and comparing this level with the level of folate receptor alpha in a control sample or reference sample.