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Anemia Panel: 18 Tests

What is an anemia panel and what does it test for?

An anemia panel is a series of blood tests that evaluate the components of your blood, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count. It helps diagnose anemia by identifying deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, or folate, along with conditions like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia.

This 18 test anemia panel includes all tests needed to diagnose the degree and cause of anemia, including a CBC panel (red blood cells, hemoglobin, etc), Ferritin, Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity, Folate, and Vitamin B-12

This 18 test anemia panel includes all tests needed to diagnose the degree and cause of anemia, including a CBC panel (red blood cells, hemoglobin, etc), Ferritin, Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity, Folate, and Vitamin B-12.

This lab test panel is ideal for people who feel fatigued and who may suspect anemia or low iron levels. Exploring the biomakers in this panel will be beneficial for people who have a menstrual cycle that involves a lot of blood loss, those who might have vitamin deficiencies, and those who suspect internal bleeding. Also, men and women who donate blood frequently may find this panel useful to ensure that they have not depleted their iron, ferritin and other markers of iron stores that can dramatically impact their energy level, mental function, mood, and quality of life. The results of this panel, including anemia and low iron test results, can provide valuable information about a person's health and aid in diagnosing and treating anemia.

Anemia is a decrease in the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin in the blood, or a lowered ability of the blood to carry oxygen. It can have several causes.

Symptoms of Anemia

When anemia comes on slowly, the symptoms are often vague and may include feeling tired, weakness, shortness of breath, and a poor ability to exercise. When the anemia comes on quickly, symptoms may include confusion, feeling like one is going to pass out, loss of consciousness, and increased thirst. Anemia must be significant before a person becomes noticeably pale. It is important to discuss any signs and symptoms of anemia, including an increased risk of anemia, with your healthcare provider, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history or certain medical conditions.

Causes of Anemia:

Blood loss, a decrease in red blood cell production, and an increase in red blood cell breakdown are all potential causes of anemia. Causes of blood loss include trauma and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Causes of decreased production include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, thalassemia, and a number of neoplasms of the bone marrow. Causes of increased breakdown include genetic conditions such as sickle cell anemia, infections such as malaria, and certain autoimmune diseases.

Types of Anemia:

Anemia can also be classified based on the size of the red blood cells and amount of hemoglobin in each cell. If the cells are small, it is called microcytic anemia; if they are large, it is called macrocytic anemia; and if they are normal sized, it is called normocytic anemia. Anemia of chronic disease, a type of normocytic anemia, is commonly seen in regions with endemic malaria/protozoal illness and in impoverished areas where there is a higher risk of nutritional anemia. Aplastic anemia, a rare condition where bone marrow no longer produces red blood cells, can also be diagnosed through a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test.

Diagnosis of Anemia:

The diagnosis of anemia in men is based on a hemoglobin of less than 130 to 140 g/L (13 to 14 g/dL); in women, it is less than 120 to 130 g/L (12 to 13 g/dL).

Anemia Panel Tests Included:

CBC (Complete Blood Count) Panel:

Complete Blood Count

Whole blood is made up of various types of cells suspended in a liquid called plasma. The complete blood count (CBC) is an inventory of the different cellular components of the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Blood cell counts are typically reported as the number of cells in a cubic millimeter of blood (cells/mm3) or as a percentage of all blood cells. This test is performed by analyzing a blood sample, which includes measuring platelet count, mean platelet volume, and the average size of red blood cells, to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's blood health.

 Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells, bound to a molecule called hemoglobin. Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduction in the number of red blood cells, often leaving a person fatigued, weak, and short of breath. Several tests are used to help diagnose various types of anemia, including those associated with bone marrow disease. Treatment for these anemias may include blood transfusions, hormone therapy, or bone marrow transplants, depending on the specific form of anemia.

 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): the total number of red blood cells in a quantity of blood. Normal ranges are 4.5–6.0 million cells/mm3 for men and 4.0–5.5 million cells/mm3 for women. (Women typically have lower counts than men due to the loss of blood through menstruation.)

 Hematocrit (HCT): the proportion of red blood cells as a percentage of total blood volume. A normal hematocrit is 40–55% for men and 35–45% for women.

 Hemoglobin (HGB): the number of grams of hemoglobin in a deciliter of blood (g/dL). Normal levels in healthy adults are 14–18 g/dL for men and 12–16 g/dL for women. As a rough guideline, hemoglobin should be about one-third the hematocrit.

 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH Concentration (MCHC): the amount or concentration, respectively, of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell.

 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): the average size, or volume, of individual red blood cells. Conditions such as iron deficiency can lead to smaller than normal red blood cells, while certain vitamin deficiencies and some drugs can produce larger than normal cells.

 Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW): a measure of the size and uniformity of red blood cells.

 White Blood Cells

White blood cells (leukocytes) carry out the body's immune responses. The CBC looks at numbers of various different types of white blood cells.

 White Blood Cell Count (WBC): the total number of white blood cells in a quantity of blood. A healthy adult normally has 4,000–11,000 white blood cells/mm3. A WBC increase often indicates that a person is actively fighting an infection or has recently received a vaccine. Decreased WBC (leukopenia) can leave a person vulnerable to various pathogens and cancers.

 Differential: a report of the proportions of different types of white blood cells as a percentage of the total number of white cells; these percentages may be multiplied by the WBC to obtain absolute counts.

 Neutrophils: a type of cell that fights bacterial infections. Neutrophils normally make up about 50–70% of all white blood cells. The risk of bacterial infection increases when the absolute neutrophil count falls below about 500–750 cells/mm3.

 Lymphocytes: there are two main types of lymphocytes. B cells produce antibodies that fight foreign invaders in the body, while T cells target infected or cancerous cells and help coordinate the overall immune response. A normal lymphocyte count is about 20–40% of all white blood cells.

 Monocytes: a type of cell that fights pathogens by engulfing and destroying them. Monocytes circulate in the blood for about 24 hours; when they leave the bloodstream and migrate into the tissues, they mature into macrophages. Monocytes and macrophages normally account for 2-10% of all white blood cells.

 Eosinophils: cells that play a role in defense against parasites and in allergic reactions. They normally make up 0-6% of all white blood cells.

 Basophils: another type of cell involved in allergic reactions, in particular the release of histamine. They normally account for 1% or less of all white blood cells.

Platelets

 Platelets (thrombocytes) are necessary for blood clotting. A normal platelet count is about 130,000–440,000 cells/mm3. Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), which can cause easy bruising and excessive bleeding, may be a result of some medications, autoimmune reactions, spleen-accelerated destruction, or specific immune diseases.

Folic Acid:

B12 and folic acid blood testing help doctors diagnose central nervous system disorders, anemia, and malabsorption syndromes. B12 and folic acid also play an important role in energy level, muscle strength and memory. Because B12 and folate are derived solely from dietary intake, such as egg yolks, beef, poultry and fish, many people are deficient in these important vitamins.

Vitamin B-12 Level:

Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin. Low blood levels of B12 can cause: Anemia and pernicious anemia, loss of balance , numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, and weakness

Iron & TIBC:

The serum iron test measures the amount of iron in your blood. The total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test looks at how well iron moves through your body. Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. If you don't have enough iron, you may not have enough hemoglobin. This condition is called iron deficiency anemia, one of the different types of anemia. Transferrin, a protein that your liver produces, is primarily responsible for carrying or binding iron in your body. The TIBC test is based on certain proteins, including transferrin, found in the blood. Your transferrin levels are almost always measured along with iron and TIBC. Additionally, the ferritin test can help determine how much iron your body is storing, providing a more comprehensive understanding of your iron levels.

Ferritin:

Ferritin is a protein found in the bloodstream which stores iron. Ferritin helps transport iron where it's most needed in the body. Too much or too little ferritin can cause a lot of health issues and that's why you should check it often. The levels of ferritin in the body are different for men and women. For example: men: 24–500 ng/ml of blood; women: 22–200 ng/ml of blood. However, many people may have anemia symptoms at the lower end of the "normal" range.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Anemia Panel:

Can dietary changes affect the results of an anemia panel?

Dietary changes can indeed affect the results of an anemia panel. Nutritional deficiencies are one of many causes of anemia, a condition that manifests as a lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. For example, iron-deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia that can result from insufficient dietary intake of iron.

Making dietary changes to include more iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, beans, lentils, and leafy green vegetables, can help improve iron levels in the body and potentially impact the results of an anemia panel. On the other hand, certain dietary factors, like consuming excessive amounts of tea or coffee with meals, can inhibit iron absorption and influence test results.

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist before making significant dietary changes if you suspect you have anemia or are undergoing an anemia panel test to ensure that your diet modifications align with your overall health goals and medical needs.

Are there any specific preparations needed before getting an anemia panel done?

Before getting an anemia panel done, it is advisable to follow these specific preparations:

1. Fasting: In some cases, fasting may be required before the test. Your healthcare provider will inform you if fasting is necessary for your test.

2. Medication: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are currently taking, as certain medications can affect the results of the test.

3. Timing: Your healthcare provider may recommend a specific time for the test, so be sure to follow that timeframe.

4. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water before the test can help make it easier to draw blood for the panel.

5. Clothing: Wear clothing that allows easy access to your arm for blood collection.

Following these preparations can help ensure accurate results from your anemia panel test.

No fasting required.