Anemia Profile Test - Price, Procedure, Purpose, Normal Range

Introduction to Anemia Profile Test 

Do you like eating ice, chalk, or paper? If yes, maybe you have anemia. In India, 57% of women and 23% of men are anemic. Anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when your body doesn’t have healthy red blood cells, or the red blood cells aren’t working properly. These blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. A deficiency of these cells may affect your organ's ability to get enough oxygen, which affects its functioning and working. 

A delay in diagnosis and treatment may cause serious health complications. Therefore, take the anemia profile test from Redcliffe Labs. This group of blood tests diagnose anemia due to iron deficiency. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent future complications. 

Test Details in Brief 

What is Anemia? 

Anemia is a blood disorder when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells or isn’t working properly. This disorder may lower the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the body’s cells and tissues, which may cause fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. If you experience these symptoms, take the anemia profile test. The test can diagnose the anemia deficiency. 

Anemia can be caused because of various factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, chronic disease, genetics, menstrual periods, intestinal disorders, and certain parasitic infections like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. 

Types of Anemia 

Anemia symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on your red blood cells. Some types of anemia are inherited (genetics), but people may also acquire or develop anemia. Serious types of anemia may cause life-threatening medical issues. Else, types of anemia include: 

1. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce red blood cells. In the case of iron-deficiency anemia, a person may feel fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and pale skin. Blood loss, not getting enough iron, and celiac disease can also cause iron deficiency anemia. 
2. Hemolytic Anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. It can be inherited or acquired because of autoimmune conditions, bone marrow failure, or an inherited blood condition. A person may experience symptoms like dizziness, dark urine, jaundice, fast heart rate, and enlarged liver. 
3. Microcytic anemia is a type of anemia where red blood cells are smaller than normal. The symptoms are the same as those of iron-deficiency anemia, including loss of stamina, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Microcytic anemia is a common type of anemia in children and adults. 
4. Aplastic Anemia is a serious and rare blood disorder that occurs when the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough blood cells (RBC, WBC, and platelets). A person with aplastic anemia may experience irritability, lightheadedness, pale skin, shortness of breath, headache, and fatigue. A doctor may also recommend blood transfusions, a stem cell transplant, or certain medications for its treatment. 
5. Sideroblastic Anemia- Sideroblastic anemia is a bone marrow disorder that promotes the production of abnormal red blood cells instead of healthy red blood cells. It can either be acquired or congenital. Vitamin B6 and copper deficiency are two major causes of sideroblastic anemia. Like other types of anemia, this can cause extreme fatigue, making you tired the whole day. 
6. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. Sickle cells may affect healthy red blood cells and block blood vessels, causing anemia or jaundice. There is no cure for sickle cell anemia; however, you can manage symptoms with pain relievers, staying hydrated, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco consumption (or smoking).
7. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) is also an inherited blood disorder that affects the production of red blood cells. It produces ineffective erythropoiesis, i.e.,, your bone marrow produces abnormal or premature dead red blood cells. A person with CDA may experience enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, pale skin, fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. 
8. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to produce less hemoglobin than usual. Hemoglobin is a vital protein in the RBCs that supplies oxygen to the body’s cells and tissues. Thalassemia can cause serious health complications like heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, gallstones, and leg ulcers. The severity of thalassemia depends on the condition, and the initial treatment involves blood transfusions. 
9. Fanconi Anemia (FA)- FA is a rare inherited blood disorder that affects your bone marrow to produce abnormal or fewer blood cells. A person with FA may experience symptoms like extreme tiredness, easy bleeding, and recurring infections. It increases the risk of developing cancer, mainly skin cancer. Besides, health experts associated FA with short stature, infertility, and birth defects. 
10. Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA)—DBA is also a rare inherited type of anemia, which happens when the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough red blood cells (RCBs). RCBs are important for transporting oxygen from the lungs to all other body parts. DBA may cause severe health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, delayed transfusion reaction, and excessive iron in the blood. 

The severity of anemia depends on its type. To prevent serious complications and early diagnosis, take the anemia profile test. Redcliffe Labs offers the test at an affordable price of INR 999. Visit our website, book the test, and take precautions today.

What is the Purpose of the Anemia Profile Test? 

The purpose of the anemia profile test is to detect anemia. It is a comprehensive test that includes a series of diagnostic tests; CBC, ESR, Ferritin, Iron Studies, Peripheral Smear, and Reticulocyte Count. These parameters help in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of anemia. 

Anemia can cause serious medical issues like heart attack, organ damage, and heart failure. Your doctor may also recommend the anemia profile test to diagnose anemia immediately and prevent it from turning into these. 

What Does the Anemia Profile Test Measure? 

When your blood doesn’t have enough healthy RBCs or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissue, it creates the situation of anemia. The anemia profile test measures: 

• The amount of red blood cells in your blood. 
• The amount of hemoglobin in the blood. 
• The average volume or mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells. 
• The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in RBCs. 
• The level of vitamin B12 and folic acid in the blood. 
• The level of ferritin in the blood. 
• The measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. 
• The amount of iron in the blood. 

Any abnormalities in these levels can cause symptoms like weakness, dizziness, chest pain, pale skin, fatigue, or brittle nails. 

What are the Benefits of taking the Anemia Profile Test? 

Iron deficiency is a common cause in India. Some people aren’t even aware of it. The anemia profile test is beneficial for such people. However, the iron deficiency test has other benefits as well. 

• It helps doctors diagnose anemia and prescribe an accurate treatment. 
• It helps in early diagnosis, preventing it from becoming severe. 
• The anemia profile test can determine the type and cause of anemia and help plan treatment accordingly. 
• The test can confirm if anemia is caused by iron deficiency.

What are the Types of Blood Tests that Diagnose Anemia? 

The anemia profile test at Redcliffe Labs has 37 parameters and requires urine and blood samples. A series of diagnostic tests are required to check your body's iron, hemoglobin, and ferritin levels. The anemia profile test includes: 

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) 

The CBC in the anemia profile test measures blood components like RBCs, WBCs, hemoglobin, and platelets. If the result falls outside the normal range, your doctor may diagnose you with anemia and guide a treatment process accordingly. 

• ESR 

ESR, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, is a blood test that measures how fast the RBCs settle at the bottom of a test tube. It checks for inflammation in the body, which can lead to blood disorders (anemia), injury, infection, and many other serious health conditions, such as immune system disorders, certain cancers, and blood disorders. 

• Ferritin 

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in cells throughout the body. The anemia profile test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood and helps determine the amount of iron your body has stored. 

• Iron Studies 

Anemia is common among Indians because of iron deficiency. Iron studies are a group of tests that measure iron levels in your blood. These tests help doctors diagnose whether you are an anemic person. 

• Peripheral Smear/ General Blood Picture 

A peripheral smear in iron deficiency tests examines the amount and shape of blood cells under a microscope. It helps identify blood disorders, infections, and other medical conditions. 

• Reticulocyte Count 

Reticulocyte is a developing RBC in the bone marrow. Once they become mature RBCs, your body releases them into your blood. With the anemia profile test result, your doctor can determine if your bone marrow is producing enough amount of reticulocyte RBCs. It also helps check for certain health conditions and monitor the treatment. 

Signs that You Need Anemia Profile Test 

Anemia is a common condition, yet many people aren’t aware of the symptoms. Various signs indicate the need for an anemia profile test. These include:

• Fatigue 
• Dizziness
• Chest pain 
• Pale skin 
• Heart palpitations 
• Fast heart rate 
• Shortness of breath 
• Frequent infections 
• Headache 
• Brittle nails 
• Intestinal or vaginal bleeding 
• Cold hands and feet 

Who is at Risk of Anemia? 

Apart from symptoms, there are abundant factors increasing the risk of anemia. 

1. A person who has a condition that affects the functioning of the small intestine. Crohn’s disease and celiac disease are prominent examples. 
2. A woman having heavy periods can be at risk of anemia. 
3. A diet that doesn’t have enough iron, vitamin B12, and folate. 
4. A pregnant woman who doesn’t take a multivitamin with iron and folic acid is at risk of anemia. 
5. A person with certain health conditions like kidney failure, diabetes, or cancer. These conditions may lead to few red blood cells. 
6. People above the age of 65. 
7. People with a family history of certain infections, blood diseases, and autoimmune conditions. 
8. People who consume excessive alcohol. 
9. People who take certain medicines that can affect the production of RBCs. 
10. People who are around toxic chemicals. 

Preparations for the Anemia Profile Test 

The anemia profile test requires blood and urine samples, which help diagnose anemia because of iron deficiency. 

For Blood Sample 

The anemia profile blood test needs no special preparation. However, your healthcare provider may recommend fasting after looking at your current health. Fasting means no food or drink for at least 8-10 hours. Additionally, if you are taking any supplements or medications, consult your doctor whether you should continue. 

For Urine Sample 

Likewise, blood samples, urine sample collection don’t require fasting. But, your doctor may suggest fasting and avoiding certain foods, drinks, & medications. 

To maintain hygiene, wash your hands and the urethral region with warm water and soap before providing a urine sample. If you have any further doubts about the test, talk to your healthcare professional before taking the test. 

The procedure of the Anemia Profile Test 

After booking the anemia profile test from us, our phlebotomist will visit your home for sample collection. They ensure performing a safe testing procedure. The testing procedure involves collecting blood and urine samples. 

For urine sample collection, we will provide you with a sterile container. Wash your hands and clean your genital areas before collecting urine samples. 

• Use water and a clean towel to wash the genital area. 
• Urinate a small amount into the toilet. Without stopping the urine flow, collect some urine in the provided container. 
• Don’t touch the inside of the container and finish urinating into the toilet. 
• Screw the lid tightly, to prevent any leakage or contamination. 
• Label the container with your details; full name, date of birth, and the time and date of collection on the container. 
• Hand over the container to our phlebotomist. 
• They will deliver it to the lab for testing. 

For blood sample collection, our phlebotomist will perform the sample collection. Generally, the blood is drawn by inserting a sterile needle into the veins. 

They will clean the area with an antiseptic solution to prevent any bacterial contamination. Next, using a clean needle, the phlebotomist will collect the blood. You might feel a little pinch or sting-like pain or discomfort during the sample collection. 

After drawing, they will remove the needle and transfer the collected blood into a test tube. Later, the phlebotomist will transfer both the collected blood and urine sample to the lab for testing. You will receive the anemia profile test results within 15 hours. 

Risks associated with the Anemia Profile Test 

Our phlebotomists conduct a safe sample procedure. However, the anemia profile test requires blood and urine samples, which may pose some risks, that usually go away quickly. 

Urine Sample 

Urine sample collection is safe and has a low risk of infection. The risk is only associated with invasive collection methods and handling urine samples. Remember to wear gloves when handling urine samples and prevent it from being contaminated with bacteria. 

Blood Sample 

Blood sample collection has minor risks, as the process requires inserting a sterile syringe into the veins for sample collection. A person may experience the following risks, which disappear quickly. 

• Bleeding 
• Bruises 
• Swelling 
• Mild pain 
• Fainting 
• Infection 
• Hematoma 
• Multiple punctures 
• Bruising 

What Does the Anemia Profile Test Result Indicate? 

The anemia profile test result confirms whether there are low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. The test result indicates the type and the underlying cause of anemia in a person. 

Certain factors such as diet, medications, sample handling, infection, age, family history, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and autoimmune disorders may affect the results of the anemia profile test. 

There is a fixed range of components in your blood. A lower range than the anemia profile test normal range indicates a sign of anemia. 

What does low value mean? 

• A low count of red blood cells is a sign of anemia. 
• A low count of hemoglobin is a sign of anemia. 
• A low level of hematocrit is a sign of anemia. 
• A low level of ferritin is a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
• A low level of vitamin B12 is a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency 
• A low level of folic acid is a sign of folate deficiency. 

Anemia Profile Test Normal Range 

The anemia profile test measures abundant components present in the blood. The anemia profile test normal range differs based on a person’s age, race, gender, diet, and physical activity. Besides, sample collection, medications, specimen type, circadian rhythm, and reproductive status are other factors affecting the normal range of the anemia profile test. 

What if the test reports are positive? 

If your anemia profile test report shows a positive result, then a healthcare professional may recommend additional tests to confirm the cause of anemia. They may recommend endoscopy, urinalysis, colonoscopy, genetic tests, and bone marrow biopsies. These depend on the type, symptoms, cause, and severity of anemia. 

Anemia Profile Test Price with Redcliffe Labs! 

If you experience symptoms like dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and headaches, book the anemia profile test from Redcliffe Labs and prevent future complications. Our anemia test is customized to help a healthcare professional analyze anemia, and plan a guide to manage and treat it. The anemia profile test price is INR 999, making it affordable and convenient for everyone. 

The anemia profile test can examine the type of anemia and measure your blood health. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before the test to avoid any hindrance in the test reports. Don’t ignore the signs and book the anemia profile test from Redcliffe Labs today!