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Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
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Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
This test is ideal if you're experiencing persistent fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, or shortness of breath that might be caused by anemia. It helps identify the root cause of your low energy by checking iron levels, vitamin deficiencies (B12 and folate), and red blood cell production. Many people use this test when they suspect their tiredness isn't just from lack of sleep but from a nutritional deficiency or blood disorder.
You should fast for at least 8-12 hours before your blood draw and schedule your appointment in the morning if possible, since iron levels can drop by 30% throughout the day. If you're taking high-dose biotin supplements (vitamin B7 or B8), stop taking them at least 72 hours before your test, as they can interfere with some results. Avoid starting new iron or vitamin supplements right before testing, as this can affect baseline measurements.
This comprehensive panel evaluates your iron status through serum iron, TIBC, and ferritin to identify iron deficiency, the most common cause of anemia. It measures vitamin B12 and folate levels, which are essential for healthy red blood cell production and can cause anemia when deficient. The complete blood count (CBC) assesses your red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels, while the reticulocyte count shows how well your bone marrow is producing new red blood cells. Together, these measurements pinpoint whether your fatigue is due to iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, or other blood production issues.
What this means
Your ferritin level is below the optimal range, indicating your iron stores are depleted. This is often the first sign of iron deficiency and can explain symptoms like fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, and reduced exercise tolerance even before full anemia develops.
Recommended actions
Increase iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and dark leafy greens
Pair plant-based iron sources with vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers) to boost absorption
Consider an iron supplement after consulting with your doctor about the right dosage
Retest ferritin in 8-12 weeks after starting supplementation to monitor improvement
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