Anaemia Profile
Private Anaemia Profile in London for £149, checking 22 blood, iron, B12, folate and inflammation markers with results in around 1 business day.
Turnaround time
1 business day
Biomarkers count
22
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Overview of the Anaemia Profile
The Anaemia Profile is a comprehensive private blood test designed to investigate important laboratory factors associated with anaemia, iron deficiency and abnormal red blood cell production.
The profile contains 22 biomarkers, combining detailed red blood cell measurements with Serum Iron, Ferritin, Iron Binding Capacity, Transferrin, Vitamin B12, Serum Folate and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein. Together, these measurements provide considerably more information than Haemoglobin alone.
Anaemia occurs when the blood does not have sufficient healthy red blood cells or Haemoglobin to carry oxygen effectively around the body. However, anaemia is not one single condition. Possible causes include iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 or Folate deficiency, blood loss, chronic inflammation, kidney disease, gastrointestinal conditions, inherited blood disorders and problems affecting red blood cell production or survival.
Measurements such as MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW help describe the size and Haemoglobin characteristics of red blood cells. Iron studies can then provide additional information about iron availability and storage, while Vitamin B12 and Folate help assess two important nutritional causes of abnormal red cell production.
The profile also includes HS- CRP, because inflammation can influence both anaemia and the interpretation of Ferritin. Ferritin can rise as part of an inflammatory response, meaning apparently normal or elevated Ferritin does not always exclude iron deficiency when significant inflammation is present.
The Anaemia Profile provides laboratory information rather than a stand-alone diagnosis. Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, diet, medication, menstrual or other blood loss where relevant, previous results and appropriate clinical assessment.
What Does the Anaemia Profile Check?
This test measures 22 biomarkers across blood-cell health, iron status, nutritional health and inflammation.
Haemoglobin - Measures the oxygen-carrying protein within red blood cells. A reduced Haemoglobin concentration is one of the principal laboratory findings used to identify anaemia.
MCH - Mean Cell Haemoglobin measures the average amount of Haemoglobin contained within each red blood cell and can help characterise different patterns of anaemia.
MCHC - Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration measures the average concentration of Haemoglobin within red blood cells.
MCV - Mean Cell Volume measures the average size of red blood cells. Low MCV can occur with iron deficiency and some inherited blood disorders, while raised MCV may occur with Vitamin B12 or Folate deficiency and several other conditions.
HCT - Haematocrit measures the proportion of the blood made up of red blood cells and provides additional information about overall red cell volume.
Red Blood Count - Measures the number of red blood cells circulating in the blood and helps assess red cell production alongside Haemoglobin and Haematocrit.
RDW - Red Cell Distribution Width measures variation in red blood cell size. Increased variation can provide additional information when investigating nutritional deficiencies or mixed anaemia patterns.
Basophils - Measures basophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergic and inflammatory responses.
Eosinophils - Measures eosinophils, white blood cells that may increase with allergic conditions, parasitic infections and some inflammatory disorders.
Lymphocytes - Measures lymphocytes, immune cells involved in responses to infection and longer-term immune function.
Monocytes - Measures monocytes, white blood cells involved in immune defence and removal of damaged cells.
Neutrophils - Measures neutrophils, the most abundant circulating white blood cells and an important component of the response to infection and inflammation.
White cell count - Measures the total number of white blood cells circulating in the blood and provides a broad assessment of immune-cell numbers.
Platelets - Measures cells involved in normal blood clotting. Platelet concentrations can sometimes change in iron deficiency, inflammation, blood loss and other conditions.
MPV - Mean Platelet Volume measures the average size of circulating platelets and provides additional information about platelet production and turnover.
Serum Iron - Measures the amount of iron circulating in the bloodstream at the time the sample is collected. Serum Iron can fluctuate and should not usually be interpreted alone.
Ferritin - Measures the body's principal iron-storage protein and is an important marker when investigating iron deficiency. Ferritin can also increase during inflammation, infection and some other conditions.
Iron Binding Capacity - Measures the blood's capacity to bind and transport iron and can provide additional information about iron availability.
Transferrin - Measures the principal protein responsible for transporting iron through the bloodstream.
Vitamin B12 - Measures Vitamin B12, which is required for normal DNA synthesis, nervous system function and healthy red blood cell production.
Serum Folate (Vitamin B9) - Measures circulating Folate, another vitamin required for DNA synthesis and normal red blood cell formation.
HS- CRP - Measures low concentrations of C-reactive protein and provides information about systemic inflammatory activity. This can be particularly useful when interpreting Ferritin because inflammation may raise Ferritin independently of iron stores.
Who May Benefit From the Anaemia Profile?
This test may be suitable for people experiencing symptoms associated with anaemia or those who want a detailed assessment of red blood cells, iron status, Vitamin B12 and Folate.
Persistent fatigue or low energy - Anaemia, iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency and Folate deficiency can all contribute to tiredness, although fatigue has many other possible causes.
Previously low Haemoglobin - The wider profile can provide more information about the pattern and possible contributors to an abnormal Haemoglobin result.
Heavy menstrual bleeding - Regular or prolonged blood loss can gradually reduce iron stores and may eventually contribute to iron-deficiency anaemia.
Previous low Ferritin or iron - Detailed iron measurements can help assess whether iron-related abnormalities persist.
Vegetarian or vegan diets - Reduced dietary Vitamin B12 intake can increase the risk of deficiency, while iron intake and absorption can also require consideration.
Gastrointestinal or absorption concerns - Conditions affecting the stomach or intestine can interfere with absorption of iron, Vitamin B12 or Folate.
Monitoring treatment for a deficiency - Repeat testing can help assess laboratory changes following iron, Vitamin B12 or Folate treatment.
Unexplained breathlessness, weakness or paleness - These symptoms may occur with anaemia but should be interpreted alongside clinical assessment.
Arrange a comprehensive private anaemia blood test - Access detailed blood-count, iron and vitamin testing through London Blood Tests.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Anaemia Profile
You may wish to consider the Anaemia Profile if you have symptoms that could be associated with anaemia, iron deficiency or Vitamin B12 or Folate deficiency.
Persistent tiredness - Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity can contribute to fatigue when significant anaemia is present.
Weakness or reduced stamina - Anaemia can sometimes make normal physical activity feel more difficult.
Shortness of breath on exertion - Reduced Haemoglobin can affect oxygen delivery, although breathlessness also has many cardiac and respiratory causes.
Palpitations or a noticeable heartbeat - The cardiovascular system may compensate for significant anaemia by increasing heart rate.
Pale skin - Pallor can occur with reduced Haemoglobin, although appearance alone cannot determine whether anaemia is present.
Headaches or dizziness - These symptoms can accompany anaemia but are non-specific and occur with many other conditions.
Cold hands or feet - Some people with iron deficiency or anaemia report increased sensitivity to cold.
Hair thinning or brittle nails - Iron deficiency can sometimes contribute to changes in hair or nails, although dermatological and hormonal causes are also common.
Tingling or numbness - Neurological symptoms can occur with Vitamin B12 deficiency, sometimes even when anaemia is not pronounced.
Heavy periods or another source of blood loss - Repeated blood loss can gradually deplete iron stores and is an important reason to investigate persistent iron deficiency.
Anaemia is a laboratory finding rather than a diagnosis of its underlying cause. Low Haemoglobin may result from nutritional deficiency, blood loss, inflammation, kidney disease, haemolysis, inherited conditions or bone marrow disorders, among other possibilities.
Iron deficiency can also exist before Haemoglobin falls enough to meet the definition of anaemia. Ferritin and the wider iron profile can therefore provide useful information even where Haemoglobin remains within the laboratory reference range.
Persistent unexplained anaemia, significant blood loss, black stools, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or rapidly worsening weakness require appropriate clinical assessment rather than repeated blood testing alone.
How to Prepare
Do not stop prescribed iron, Vitamin B12, Folate or other treatment simply to obtain a different blood-test result unless advised by the clinician responsible for your care.
If you are monitoring treatment, the timing of testing in relation to supplements, injections or infusions can affect interpretation, so provide an accurate treatment history when your results are reviewed.
How to Book Your Anaemia Profile
Booking your Anaemia Profile with London Blood Tests is simple and designed to fit around your schedule.
Choose the Anaemia Profile
Select the Anaemia Profile online and review the 22 included biomarkers before booking.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw (+£35) or a home or hotel phlebotomy visit (+£60) where a qualified phlebotomist collects your sample.
Attend your appointment
A trained professional will collect your blood sample safely and efficiently at the clinic or during your arranged home or hotel visit.
Laboratory analysis
Your sample is sent to the laboratory, where blood-cell measurements, Serum Iron, Ferritin, Iron Binding Capacity, Transferrin, Vitamin B12, Serum Folate and HS- CRP are analysed.
Receive your results securely
Your results are sent securely by email, ready to review yourself or discuss with a GP, haematologist or other suitably qualified healthcare professional.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected turnaround time for the Anaemia Profile is approximately 1 business day.
Results are sent securely by email once laboratory analysis and authorisation are complete. Turnaround generally begins when the laboratory receives your blood sample rather than necessarily from the time it is collected.
Occasional repeat analysis, laboratory quality checks or sample-related issues can extend the expected turnaround.
Understanding Your Results
The most useful way to interpret the Anaemia Profile is to consider the pattern across multiple markers rather than focusing on a single abnormal result.
Haemoglobin establishes whether anaemia may be present, while MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW help characterise the red blood cells. For example, smaller red blood cells can occur with iron deficiency, while larger cells may occur with Vitamin B12 or Folate deficiency, although neither pattern is specific to one condition.
Ferritin is particularly useful when assessing iron stores, but it is also an acute-phase protein. Inflammation may raise Ferritin, potentially making iron stores appear more adequate than they are. HS- CRP can therefore provide valuable context when Ferritin is being interpreted.
Serum Iron can fluctuate according to time of day, recent food intake and other physiological factors. It should generally be interpreted alongside Ferritin, Transferrin and Iron Binding Capacity rather than independently.
Vitamin B12 and Folate results may provide evidence of nutritional deficiency, but additional investigations can sometimes be required where symptoms persist despite apparently normal concentrations.
An abnormal Anaemia Profile does not automatically establish the underlying diagnosis. Your GP or clinician may consider further testing depending on the pattern, including Reticulocyte Count, Active B12, Haptoglobin, kidney function, thyroid testing, haemoglobinopathy testing or gastrointestinal investigation.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private anaemia blood testing in London - Access a comprehensive assessment of blood-cell, iron and nutritional markers through London Blood Tests.
22 targeted biomarkers - Review red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, iron status, Vitamin B12, Folate and inflammation within one profile.
Detailed red blood cell assessment - Include Haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, HCT, RDW and Red Blood Count rather than checking Haemoglobin alone.
Comprehensive iron assessment - Measure Serum Iron, Ferritin, Iron Binding Capacity and Transferrin together.
Vitamin B12 and Folate included - Assess two important nutritional factors involved in normal red blood cell formation.
Inflammation considered alongside Ferritin - HS- CRP provides useful context because inflammation can affect Ferritin concentrations.
Clinic and home visit options - Choose an in-clinic blood draw or arrange home or hotel phlebotomy depending on location and availability.
Secure results by email - Receive your authorised laboratory results securely once analysis is complete.
Private Anaemia Profile Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides the Anaemia Profile blood test in London for people who want a comprehensive assessment of blood-cell health, iron status, Vitamin B12, Folate and inflammation.
The profile costs £149 and contains 22 biomarkers covering the red blood cell indices used to characterise anaemia alongside detailed iron measurements and important nutritional markers.
Clinic appointments are available alongside home and hotel phlebotomy depending on location and availability, providing flexible options for people searching for a private anaemia blood test in London or iron deficiency testing near them.
The Anaemia Profile can help identify laboratory patterns that may point towards iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 or Folate deficiency and other causes of abnormal blood counts. It cannot determine every possible cause of anaemia by itself, and persistent abnormalities may require further investigation.