Anemia Profile

What is Anemia Profile Test?

Anemia Profile test (Basic) is a blood screening test that measures the levels of important components of the blood to diagnose anemia. The most common cause of anemia is an iron deficiency or a condition when the body is not able to produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. This causes several medical conditions like fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, etc. The anemia profile test helps to detect blood disorders and includes the following evaluations such as:

– Hemoglobin or Hb.
– C-Reactive Protein or CRP.
– Hematocrit or Packed Cell Volume (PCV).
– Total Leucocyte Count or TLC.
– Platelet Count or RBC.
– ESR or erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
– Immature granulocytes.
– Reticulocyte count.
– Mean Corpuscular Volume or MCV.
– Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin or MCH.
– Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration or MCHC.
– Red cell distribution width or RDW.
– TIBC or Total Iron-Binding Capacity.
– Folic acid.
– Vitamin B12.

What is Anemia?

Anemia happens when a person has less than normal red blood cells or hemoglobin. Having anemia, you will feel fatigued and weak all the time. Anemia can be of many types. The symptoms depend on the severity of the disease. Mild or temporary anemia can occur to anyone. It can happen during pregnancy, menstruation, or to people who donate blood regularly. Chronic anemia can occur due to chronic inflammation, kidney disease, cancer, or severe loss of blood from the stomach. Anemia can be a serious medical condition and needs to be treated on time.

Who needs an Anemia Profile test?

Anyone can need an anemia profile test. It does not necessarily depend on age or gender. People who likely need an anemia profile test include:

– Pregnant women. During pregnancy, the iron and nutrient levels are low.

– Menstruating women. Some women may suffer excess blood loss during menstruation.

– Sudden blood loss due to an injury or surgery.

– Teens during the growth years may feel fatigued and weak.

– People who have suffered a chronic illness.

– Babies and infants due to low intake of iron-rich foods.

– Anemic patients.

Why has my doctor asked me to do an Anemia Profile test?

Anemia symptoms are difficult to detect especially if it caused by a chronic illness. However, if you are feeling tired and weak all the time, a low hemoglobin level might be the reason. Your doctor may ask you to do an anemia profile test if you are showing these following symptoms:

– Pale skin.
– Fatigue and weakness.
– Shortness of breath.
  
Symptoms of Pica in children

– Poor appetite.
– Heavy menstrual flow in women.
– Developmental delay in children.
– Brittle nails.
– Hair fall.
– Ankle swelling.
– Lack of immunity.
– Pain in the chest.
– Irregularity in heart rate.
– Cold hands or feet.
– A decrease in body temperature.

How do I prepare for the Anemia Profile test?

The anemia profile test is a complete package of several other blood tests. Your doctor may ask you to take certain precautions before the test:
– You may need to fast 8 to 12 hours before the test.
– Do not take any iron supplements, vitamin B12, and folic acid 48 hours before the test.
– Avoid using any biotin 72 hours before the test.
– Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications, herbs, or supplements before the test.

How is the test done?

The test is a simple blood test. Your technician will collect a blood sample preferably early in the morning for the best results.
– You will be required to wear a short-sleeved top or shirt.
– Your technician will clean a small patch of skin on the upper part of your arm with an antiseptic solution.
– A tourniquet or elastic band will be tied on the arm to swell up the veins.
– Blood will be withdrawn using a small needle.
– The blood will be collected on a syringe or vial and sent for testing.
– The band-aid will be applied to the puncture site to prevent bleeding.

When will I get the results?

You will get your test results within 2 to 10 working days.

What is the cost of Anemia Profile test in India?

The average cost of anemia profile test is India is Rs 1500 to Rs 2000

What is a Hemoglobin or Hb test?

A hemoglobin test measures the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin comprises about 40% of the blood and is an important marker for testing anemia.

What is a CRP test?

CRP test measures the volume of c-reactive protein in your blood. It is produced by the liver and is released in the blood when an injury or infection occurs. It causes inflammation, which is our body’s defense mechanism to protect the body tissues. A high level of CRP indicates an infection in the body.

What is a Hematocrit test?

A hematocrit test evaluates the percentage of RBCs or red blood cells in the blood. A low percentage of hematocrit may indicate anemia.

What is a TLC test?

A total leucocyte count or TLC test measures the number of leucocytes or white blood cells in the blood. A TLC count higher or lower than the normal range may indicate an infection, cancer, abnormality of the bone marrow, or other diseases.

What does a platelet count test do?

Platelets help in the healing process of a wound or excessive bleeding. A platelet count test helps to measure the average number of platelets in the blood. A mean platelet count test is a part of the CBC or complete blood count test.Abnormally high or low platelet count may indicate a serious medical condition.

What is an ESR test?

An ESR or erythrocyte sedimentation rate test calculates the rate at which erythrocytes or RBCs settle at the bottom of the test tube. A faster rate may indicate an infection or injury.

What is an Iron test?

An iron test evaluates a body’s iron store. It detects whether you have an iron deficiency or an overload.

What is a Ferritin test?

A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that helps to calculate the iron reserve in the body. A low ferritin range indicates that you are suffering from anemia or iron deficiency.

What is an immature granulocyte count?

An immature granulocyte count or IG count shows a person’s susceptibility to infection, inflammation, or other disorders of the bone marrow. It is part of the complete blood count test.

What is the reticulocyte count in a blood test?

A reticulocyte count in blood test measures the level of immature red blood cells or reticulocytes in the blood. It helps in understanding the functioning of the bone marrow.

What does an MCV test do?

An MCV test measures the volume of mean corpuscular cells or red blood corpuscles in the blood. An MCV test evaluates the size of the RBCs. If the size is too small or large, then it indicates a blood disorder.

What is an MCHC test?

MCHC or mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration test measures the hemoglobin concentration in RBCs. Normal levels of MCHC in an adult is 31 to 37 gram per deciliter.

What is the significance of RDW in anemia profile test?

The red cell distribution width or RDW test measures the volume and size of RBCs in the blood. Anything outside the normal range will indicate a blood problem.

What is a TIBC test?

A TIBC or total iron-binding capacity helps to measure how much iron is transferred by the blood. It detects how the protein transferrin to which iron is attached moves through the blood.

What is a folic acid test?

The folic acid or vitamin B-9 test measures the amount of the vitamin in the blood. Folic acid is extremely important for the development of the fetus and for the growth of healthy cells.

What is Vitamin B12 test?

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin is an essential component of the blood and helps in blood formation and proper functioning of the nerve cells. The test helps to measure if there is any deficiency of the nutrient. It is usually done along with a folate test.

What is the significance of the Differential leucocyte test?

White blood cells or WBCs are related with to immune system of your body. A differential leucocyte test calculates the percentage of WBCs in the blood.

What is the normal reference range of the Anemia Profile test?

Should pregnant women undergo an anemia profile test?

Mild anemia is common in pregnancy. The iron and vitamin levels are generally low during the second and third trimester. Some women may experience severe anemia. This can cause increased blood loss during labor, premature delivery, or low birth weight of the baby.
An anemia profile test during pregnancy and after the birth of your child can help your doctor prescribe medicines and supplements to replenish the loss of essential nutrients from the body.