What is an anemia test?

anemia has become quite common in the last few decades. Today, more than 30% of the world population is affected by it. anemia is not a disease in itself but an indicator of the inability of the body to produce enough red blood cells to carry an adequate amount of oxygen to the body tissues. This occurs due to the deficiency of iron that curtails the production of haemoglobin, which is required to carry oxygen. This is the most common form of anemia. Besides this, there are other forms of anemia like Aplastic anemia, Sickle cell anemia, Thalassemia, and Vitamin deficiency anemia. anemia may be mild or severe. It may occur suddenly or worsen over the years. Whichever type of anemia one has the symptoms and effects of it can be mild or even fatal. Besides, the human body cannot produce iron and we depend on our diet to meet our iron requirements. Therefore, due to reasons like these, it becomes imperative to get an annual anemia test done. An anemia profile test is the one that is specifically designed to gain information on the levels of your haemoglobin (the iron-rich protein in the red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues in the body) and haematocrit (the measure of how much space red blood cells take up in your body). This anemia test helps in determining the cause of your anemia and classifying the type that you suffer from. Low levels of either of these signify anemia.

Which tests are included in an anemia test?

An anemia profile test usually includes these tests: Complete haemogram (CBC + ESR): This test helps in counting your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This also includes the peripheral smear examination that helps in classifying or ruling out the type of anemia, haematological malignancies, chronic infections, and cancers. Iron screening: This test helps in measuring the levels of ferritin, iron, percentage transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity. Vitamin B9: This test is done to determine the underlying cause of anemia or neuropathy. Vitamin B12: This test helps in evaluating the status of your vitamin B12 levels and helps in ruling out other causes of fatigue, which is also a symptom of anemia. Besides these anemia profile tests, there are several add-on tests that are advised like: Vitamin D Total: This test checks for the levels of vitamin D in your body that may be causing similar symptoms to anemia like fatigue, muscle pain, etc. Calcium: This test screens for diseases of the bones, heart, muscles, kidneys, thyroid, teeth, etc. Electrolyte profile test: This test checks for the levels of chloride, potassium, and sodium. CRP Quantitative (C-Reactive Protein): This test determines the levels of CRP in your blood that may be causing viral or bacterial infections and recurring tissue injuries. Total IgE: This test checks for the levels of the IgE antibody. Blood grouping test: This test helps in classifying your blood into distinct blood groups and to check for the presence of Rh factor.

Why do I need an anemia test?

There are several reasons that make it important for you to get an annual anemia test done. These include: Unknowingly, your body may not be making enough red blood cells or destroying red blood cells. An anemia test helps in determining if you are actually suffering from anemia or have some other underlying conditions. This test serves as a diagnostics for anemia treatment that you may be undergoing and checking for its efficacy and if corrective treatment is required. An annual anemia profile test helps in arresting this condition early on. When you get diagnosed early on, it helps in saving you from the painful symptoms and the spiralling costs of treatment. The add-on tests help in diagnosing other problems like thyroid, kidney diseases, heart diseases, etc.

When do I need to get an anemia test?

It is normally recommended to get an anemia blood test annually. Other conditions that deem its necessity include: You are above 65 years. When you suffer from fatigue, chronic weakness, pale skin, palpitations, cold hands & feet, shortness of breath, etc. When a woman is pregnant and is not taking multivitamins with folic acid. Menstruating women. When your diet lacks iron, folate, and vitamin B12. When you suffer from intestinal disorders like Celiac diseases and Crohn’s disease. Conditions like cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, etc. increase your risk of anemia. You suffer from blood-clotting disorders. When anyone in your family suffers from anemia.

How do I prepare for an anemia profile test?

Since an anemia test is a simple blood test, you don’t need much preparation besides this: Your doctor may advise you to fast 12 hours before your anemia profile test. Wear comfortable clothing. If you are taking an anemia test at home, you need to prepare a comfortable corner for the phlebotomist to set the equipment and take your blood samples.

How does anemia test at home work?

Advancements in technology have made it possible to get an anemia test at home and you don’t need to look for labs or hospitals that provide anemia tests near me. This is how an anemia lab test at home works: Check for the anemia test cost. Buy the relevant anemia blood test pack. A WHO and DLMT certified phlebotomist will collect your samples from home. After your tests are analysed by the top doctors in the country, you will receive your anemia test report within 24 hours on your email or on the Care.fit app.

Are there any risks/ side effects of anemia blood test?

There are no risks associated with an anemia test. However, some people may: Feel dizzy or lightheaded. Get minor bleeding or bruising. Travelling to a crowded lab may increase the risk of infections especially for people with reduced immunity.

What does my anemia test result mean?

This is how some values in anemia tests are interpreted: S.no Value Healthy range 1. RBCs Men: 4.6-5.9 million Women: 4.1-5.4 million 2. Haemoglobin Men: 14-18 g/dl Women: 12-16 g/dl 3. Haematocrit Men: 42-52 % Women: 37-47 % 4. Platelets 150,000-350,000/ cubic mm 5 WBCs 4,300-10,800/ cubic mm for men and women

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