Anaemia Profile
Discover whether low iron, B12, folate, or other causes of anaemia are affecting your energy levels. This profile helps explain symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, or shortness of breath. Get clear answers and guidance on how to restore your vitality.
- Description
- Why This Test?
- Uses of This Test
The Anaemia Profile is a comprehensive blood test designed to identify the underlying causes of anaemia and related symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, breathlessness, or poor concentration. Anaemia can develop gradually and may go unnoticed without blood testing, even when symptoms are affecting daily life.
By combining iron studies, vitamin levels, inflammation markers, and a full blood count with differential, this profile provides a detailed assessment of blood health and helps distinguish between different types of anaemia.
Anaemia occurs when the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to tissues, most commonly due to low haemoglobin or abnormal red blood cell production. However, anaemia is not a single condition — it has multiple possible causes, each requiring different management.
This profile investigates the most common contributors to anaemia:
Iron Deficiency & Iron Availability
Iron is essential for haemoglobin production. Measuring iron, ferritin, and iron-binding markers helps identify iron deficiency, low iron stores, or impaired iron utilisation.
Vitamin-Related Anaemia
Vitamin B12 and folate are required for normal red blood cell formation. Deficiency can lead to abnormally large red blood cells and neurological symptoms.
Blood Cell Production & Morphology
A full blood count with 5-part differential assesses haemoglobin levels, red blood cell size and variation, and white cell and platelet patterns that may indicate bone marrow or systemic issues.
Inflammation
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) helps detect inflammation that may contribute to anaemia of chronic disease.
By assessing these markers together, this profile supports accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
- Investigate unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Diagnose anaemia and identify the cause
- Assess iron levels and iron stores
- Support ongoing blood health monitoring
What We Test
Biomarkers analysed by accredited UK laboratories
Biomarkers Tested
Iron Studies
- Iron
Measures circulating iron available for haemoglobin synthesis.
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Indicates the blood’s capacity to bind and transport iron, often raised in iron deficiency.
- Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC)
Reflects reserve iron-binding capacity and supports interpretation of iron availability.
- Transferrin Saturation
Shows the proportion of iron-binding sites occupied by iron, indicating usable iron levels.
- Ferritin
Represents iron stores and helps detect iron deficiency before anaemia develops.
- Iron
Full Blood Count with 5-Part Differential
Assesses red blood cell production, oxygen-carrying capacity, immune activity, and clotting.
- Haemoglobin
- Haematocrit
- Red Cell Count
- Mean Cell Volume (MCV)
- Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH)
- Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
- White Cell Count
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
- Platelet Count
- Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
Inflammation
Assesses inflammation that may contribute to anaemia of chronic disease.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
A non-specific marker of inflammation that may influence iron metabolism and blood production.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Vitamins
Essential nutrients required for normal red blood cell formation and neurological health.
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
In-Clinic Blood Testing At Longridge, Preston
If you’d rather leave everything to a qualified professional, our in-clinic blood testing service is the most comfortable and hands-off experience. Once you complete your order, we’ll contact you to arrange a convenient appointment time.
Your sample will be taken by a trained phlebotomist, making the process quick, smooth, and reassuring - especially if you’re nervous around blood or struggle with finger-prick tests.
We send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed so results can be expected within 72 hours.
Why Use This Service:
Hands-off, professional experience
High-quality samples for complex tests
No risk of “not enough sample”
Support at every step
No posting or packaging required
Convinient appointment times
Taking Charge Of Your Own Health Has Never Been Easier
Worried about your wellbeing?
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or other issues, a comprehensive blood test may be the key to discovering potential underlying health problems.
Need to monitor a health condition?
Blood tests offer essential insights into various aspects of your health, from detecting deficiencies to evaluating immune functions.
Enhancing Performance and Fitness?
Whether you’re training for a sport or keeping track of your fitness progress, a blood test serves as an excellent foundation for your performance improvement journey.
All Our Tests Include:
No GP Referral
Order directly - no waiting for appointments
Fast Results
Detailed analysis within 72 hours
Doctor's Commentary
Expert interpretation of your results included
Secure & Confidential
Discreet service and consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
- Qualified Pharmacists
- Flexible Appointments
- Top Customer Service
How accurate are home finger-prick tests compared to clinic tests?
Our home finger-prick tests use the same accredited laboratories as our clinic tests. While clinic tests allow for more comprehensive panels, home tests are highly accurate for the parameters they measure.
Do I need a GP referral for a blood test?
No, you don’t need a GP referral. You can book directly with us for any blood test. We are a private clinic offering direct access to comprehensive blood testing.
How old do I have to be to have a blood test?
We will only draw blood from those aged 16 and above due to legal requirements.
How long does it take for the blood test results to come?
If you have used our clinic to complete a blood test, we send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed. If you have used a home test kit, then once your sample has been sent off the lab will analyse your sample. Results are usually received within 72 hours.
How do I perform the home finger-prick test?
Your home blood test kit will contain easy-to-follow instructions on how to take your own finger blood sample. If you have any concerns or questions prior to using the kit, please contact our phlebotomists who will be happy to assist.
How do I prepare for a blood test?
There is no preparation required prior to taking any of the blood tests. Please simply remember to stay hydrated prior to your appointment. This is to help your veins dilate better to enable a quick and efficient blood sample to be taken and reduce the risks of feeling faint following your blood test.
Please inform the phlebotomist before your test if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication.
Should I fast before my blood test?
Fasting is not required for most blood tests. However, if your profile includes cholesterol tests and you’ve previously had high levels, consider fasting for 8 hours beforehand. While not essential, fasting can provide more accurate results.
Note: Fasting means abstaining from any food and drink, except for water.