Diagnosing anemia requires more than one test — a comprehensive panel determines the type, severity, and cause.
Essential Tests:
- CBC (Complete Blood Count): Measures hemoglobin (Hb) — normal for men 13-17, women 12-15 g/dL. Measures red cell volume (MCV) — small in iron deficiency. Measures cell count and hematocrit.
- Ferritin (Iron Stores): Most important test — reflects true iron stores. Below 30 ng/ml = deficiency. Below 15 = confirmed deficiency. May be falsely elevated in inflammation.
- Serum Iron: Current iron level in blood — drops in deficiency.
- TIBC: Total iron binding capacity — rises when body searches for iron.
- Transferrin Saturation: Below 20% = deficiency.
Additional Tests Based on Case:
- Vitamin B12 and folic acid — to rule out other types.
- Stool occult blood test — to rule out GI bleeding.
- Thyroid and kidney function tests.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we provide all blood tests with results within 24 hours — no need to visit an external lab.