Anemia Profile II

Anaemia profile consists of a set of laboratory blood tests that checks for the iron levels, haemoglobin, ferritin and oxygen binding capacity in the body. Anaemia is a blood disorder where there are fewer red blood cells than normal, or less haemoglobin than normal (haemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen). It is a common condition, affecting both men and women of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. 

There are different types of anaemia, and the iron profile is the best tool to detect a deficiency of iron. Having too much iron in blood makes a condition known as iron overload which is equally harmful. The normal haemoglobin range for men is 13.5 to 17.5 grams per decilitre while the range for a woman is 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL. The doctor may advise iron test if he suspects iron poisoning.

Test preparation: Do not eat or drink anything except water for a minimum of 10-12 hours prior to Sample Collection for Blood test i.e., Tea/Coffee/Juice/Biscuits etc. Kindly inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any medication or if you're menstruating on the scheduled day of your health check-up.

• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Coldness of extremities
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Pale Skin
• Brittle nails
• Hair loss/ poor growth
• Sore mouth/ tongue

Iron is a mineral that's essential for making red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organ function. Iron levels that are too low or too high can cause serious health problems.

Anaemia is either a reduction in the number of red blood cells being produced, or of haemoglobin in the blood. This results in reduced levels of oxygen being transported round the body, which is vital for every cell to produce energy for normal bodily functions.

Anaemia can stem from a deficiency in iron, which can result from poor absorption or low dietary intake, increased iron requirement (for example during growth or menstruation), and excessive blood loss (possibly due to injury or surgery), pregnancy. Vitamin B12 is also needed to prevent anaemia, which works with folic acid in regulating the formation of red blood cells and helps to utilise iron.

Anaemia profile is useful:

• To detect anaemia by mainly evaluating important blood components such as Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Ferritin, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Iron serum and Hemoglobin (Hb).
• To detect certain blood disorders.