Test Components:

The Anemia Panel includes the following tests:

1. Complete Blood Count
2. Ferritin
3. Iron and Total Binding Capacity
4. Reticulocyte Count
5. Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Tests

Description:

The Anemia Panel is a comprehensive panel that includes a CBC, Ferritin, Folates, Total Iron Binding Capacity with Iron, Reticulocyte Count, and Vitamin B12.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) looks at important parameters of your blood including hemoglobin level, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The Ferritin, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity tests work together to indicate if you have an iron deficiency, which is the most common form of anemia. The Reticulocyte Count can help determine if you are producing enough red blood cells and can help determine the cause of different types of anemia. Finally, this panel will determine any Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid deficiency - often the reason for the onset of anemia.

Why Do I Need It?:

It is estimated that approximately 3 million people in the United States suffer from anemia. Anemia is a lower-than-normal red blood cell count or the lack of hemoglobin in your red blood cells, resulting in a wide range of symptoms.

Anemia can cause fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and a number of other symptoms. There are several different types of anemia, such as dietary deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia. It can also be caused by other conditions such as pregnancy, certain medications, alcohol abuse and intestinal diseases.

If your diet lacks iron, protein and vitamins (especially B12), you have an increased risk for anemia. Find out today with an Anemia Panel. Knowledge is power.

Other Relevant Tests:

Did you know that ANY LAB TEST NOW® offers dozens of other Value Panels?

You might also consider the Basic Check-Up, Comprehensive Male Panel or the Comprehensive Female Panel.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

High Results Indicate:

CBC: Please see individual test.

FERRITIN: High results indicate hemochromatosis, inflammation or liver disease.

FOLATES: High levels are not usually monitored, but could be seen with pernicious anemia.

TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY WITH IRON: Please see individual test.

RETICULOCYTE COUNT: High levels may indicate that the bone marrow has been working hard to produce the red blood cells that the body needs.

VITAMIN B12: High levels are not usually monitored but could indicate liver dysfunction.

Low Results Indicate:

CBC: Please see individual test.

FERRITIN: Low levels may indicate iron deficiency.

FOLATES: Low levels may indicate a deficiency and anemia.

TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY WITH IRON: Please see individual test.

RETICULOCYTE COUNT: Low levels may indicate that the bone marrow cannot keep up with the demand for red blood cell production.

VITAMIN B12: Low levels may indicate a deficiency and anemia.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

You should take your results to your primary care physician and depending on the severity of the anemia you may be referred to a hematologist.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)