Anaemia Profile-Mini

Test is  done to diagnose anaemia and to identify its causes, so that treatment can be given accordingly.

• To diagnose anaemia
• To determine the type of anaemia
• To measure levels of haemoglobin and red blood cells
• To measure the mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
• To assess iron stores in the body
• To rule out other blood-related issues, such as haemolysis or macrocytosis
• To monitor if treatments for anaemia are working

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 Haemoglobin level (Hb), RBC indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW) & PDW . 
Serum Iron measures presence of iron in blood. 
Serum transferrin measures iron transport protein transferrin.
TIBC measures Iron binding capacity to Transferrin and other proteins.
Transferrin saturation tells how much Transferrin is bound to iron.
Vitamin B12 test measures Vitamin B12 in serum.

The anaemia profile test usually includes a complete blood count (CBC) and an evaluation of iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels. The CBC measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and haemoglobin, which are all important components related to anaemia. The evaluation of iron levels involves testing for serum ferritin, iron saturation and total iron binding capacity. Vitamin B12 and folate levels are also measured as deficiencies in these vitamins can cause anaemic symptoms

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.

As per WHO , women with Hb < 12mg/dL & men with Hb <13mg/dL are considered anaemic. 
In Iron deficiency anaemia Hb , serum Iron, ferritin  levels, transferrin saturation are low and TIBC level is high.
In anaemia of chronic disease Hb, serum Iron, transferrin saturation ,TIBC are low with high ferritin. 
In thalassemia trait all parameters except CBC may be normal

The normal haemoglobin range is:

Females: 12.1–15.1 g/dL

Males: 13.5–17.1 g/dL

The normal range for red blood cells is:

Females: it’s 4.2 to 5.4 million cells per microliter (cells/mcL)

Males: 4.7 to 6.1 million cells/mcL

There is a small risk of bruising or bleeding at the needle site. In most cases, if the blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, you can resume normal activities immediately.

If your anaemia profile test results are abnormal, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible. They can provide you with further information on the cause of your anaemia and recommend treatments or lifestyle changes that may help improve your condition.

A CBC test is a blood test that measures many parts of your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. An anaemia profile is a smaller, less expensive version of the CBC test. The tests most helpful in diagnosing different kinds of anaemia are included in an anaemia profile, but it is only a small part of a complete blood count.

An anaemia profile test cannot tell you the underlying cause of anaemia or any other underlying medical conditions. It also cannot provide information about the severity of anaemia or any related complications.

It may be necessary to order other tests along with the anaemia profile test to accurately diagnose anaemia. Tests that may be ordered include:

• Reticulocyte count
• Peripheral smear or bone marrow aspiration
• Serum protein electrophoresis
• Coagulation studies
• Liver function test

Iron Deficiency Anemia, Macrocytic Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Pernicious Anemia, CBC tests, Haemoglobin level (Hb), Serum Iron, Serum transferrin, TIBC(Total Iron Binding Capacity), Transferrin saturation, Vitamin B12