Anemia Blood Test
Anemia is a condition caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells, or low hemoglobin, in the blood. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body; when those levels are low, the decreased levels of oxygen can cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. There are many types of anemia, each with their own cause; iron-deficiency anemia is the most common.
A CBC (complete blood count) with Differential measures (among other things) the red blood cells in your blood and can be used to detect anemia. Iron, B-12, and folate are also measured since mineral and vitamin deficiencies are common causes of anemia.
Preparation
Fast for 12 hours (no food or drink, except water).
What's Included
Detects the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the body, cells that fight off infections and foreign agents that may infect the body.
Measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
Measures the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component (or plasma) in your blood.
Measures the number of platelets in the blood, the cell components essential for blood clotting.
Measures the amount of ferritin in the blood, a red-blood-cell protein that stores iron in your cells.
Measures the level of iron, an essential mineral that is an important component of hemoglobin that serves to carry oxygen throughout the body, so that the body can produce energy.
Measures the blood’s capacity to bind iron with transferrin, a protein that combines with ferritin to deliver iron to new red blood cells.
Measures the amount of B-12, a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in the health of nerves and red blood cells.
The B vitamin that plays a vital role in making DNA, the genetic material in cells. Folic acid is a synthesized version of folate found in processed foods and supplements. A folate deficiency can lead to health complications, especially in pregnant women.
Measures reticulocytes (immature blood cells) to determine if your bone marrow is producing an adequate amount of red blood cells.
Why Consider This Test
Common Disorder
Anemia affects more than three million Americans. At first, anemia can go unnoticed, but symptoms often occur as it persists.1
Diet Concerns
If the anemia is caused by nutritional deficiencies, a change to an iron-rich diet can help alleviate the symptoms.1
Increased Risk
If you have any of the following chronic conditions, you might be at greater risk for developing anemia:1
Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases
Kidney disease
Cancer
Liver disease
Thyroid disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis)
Diabetes
References
“Anemia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Aug. 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/sy....
How To Get This Test
1. Choose your tests
Shop for tests and pay online. An independent physician will review and approve your test requests; no doctor’s visit is required.
2. Provide Your Sample
Take the requisition number we emailed you, along with a photo ID, to a Labcorp location for sample collection.
3. Access your results online
View your easy-to-read results online in your Pixel by Labcorp account. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.
Getting My Results
We've made getting your results easier and more convenient than ever. View your easy-to-read results online in your Pixel by Labcorp account. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail. To view a sample report click the "sample report" button below.
