Microcytic Hypochromic Anaemia Test

To rule out Anemia due to deficiency of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid.

This profile is for individuals to find out Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid deficiency anemias.

This profile can rule out Anemia due to deficiency of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid. This profile includes CBC, Iron studies, StFR, Ferritin.

• The microcytic hypochromic anemia profile is typically done to diagnose and evaluate a specific type of anemia called microcytic hypochromic anemia.
• The microcytic hypochromic anemia profile is done to determine the underlying cause of the anemia and to guide treatment. Microcytic hypochromic anemia is often caused by iron-deficiency anemia, which is the most common type of anemia worldwide. The test will identify if there is a deficiency of Iron, Ferritin, Transferrin and TIBC (Total Iron binding capacity). Iron-deficiency anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including a diet that is low in iron, bleeding (such as from heavy menstrual periods or ulcers), or conditions that affect the body's ability to absorb iron (such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease).
• Additionally, Microcytic hypochromic anemia can also be caused by other underlying conditions such as blood loss, chronic disease, Thalassemia, or chronic inflammation.

The profile can aid in determining the underlying cause and can help to guide treatment and management. Medical professionals use this information to make decisions on the next course of treatment, which may include dietary changes, iron supplements, other medications, or referral for further testing.

You should get the Microcytic Hypochromic anemia profile done if you observe the following symptoms:

• Appetite loss or weight loss
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fatigue and weakness
• Breathlessness
• Pale skin, lips and eyes
• Inability to focus or confusion
• Loss of memory
• Headaches
• Dizziness

Anaemia - Microcytic Hypochromic Profile includes the following group and individual test:

• CBC tests for all Blood cells like RBC, WBC and Platelets, their count and morphology along with Hemoglobin level (Hb), RBC indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW) & PDW.
• Iron studies (Iron, TIBC, UIBC, Transferrin saturation %)
• Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)
• Ferritin

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

From IT masters

• A positive result on a complete blood count (CBC) test for microcytic anemia, would indicate that the number of red blood cells (RBCs) is decreased and the size of the RBCs is smaller than normal, and the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is lower than the reference range.
• Iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) are all tests that measure the levels of iron in the blood. A positive result for these tests would indicate that the levels of iron in the blood are low. A low iron level is indicative of iron-deficiency anemia.
• Transferrin saturation % and Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) are tests that measure the transferrin, a protein that binds and transports iron in the blood. Transferrin saturation % is the ratio of the amount of iron bound to transferrin versus the total amount of iron-binding capacity of the transferrin, A low transferrin saturation % or high sTfR level may indicate iron-deficiency anemia.
• Ferritin, is a test that measures the amount of iron stored in the body, a low ferritin level, typically below 12 ng/mL, indicates an iron deficiency.

A combination of low hemoglobin, low iron levels, low transferrin saturation and low ferritin along with small RBCs and pale RBCs, indicates Microcytic hypochromic anemia, which is most commonly caused by iron-deficiency anemia. This result can also occur in other causes of anemia such as thalassemia and anemia of chronic disease, and it is important to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. The professional may recommend additional tests to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.