Anaemia Panel

This panel is a comprehensive anaemia and iron-status screen, bringing together a full blood count, iron studies, and the key haematinic vitamins to help identify the underlying cause of anaemia, fatigue, or unexplained tiredness.

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) assesses the size, number, and health of red and white blood cells and platelets, and can reveal whether anaemia is present and what type it may be. The iron studies — Ferritin, Iron, Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC), and Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC) — together show how much iron the body has in storage and how well it is being transported, helping to distinguish iron-deficiency anaemia from other causes. Vitamin B12 and Folate are essential for healthy red blood cell production, and a deficiency in either can lead to anaemia and neurological symptoms. The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a general marker of inflammation that can point to an underlying condition contributing to the picture.

This combination of tests can help investigate:

• Iron-deficiency anaemia: the most common cause of anaemia, often due to low dietary intake, poor absorption, or blood loss.
• Vitamin deficiency anaemia: low B12 or folate can impair red blood cell production, causing fatigue, weakness, and in some cases nerve-related symptoms.
• Underlying inflammation: a raised ESR may indicate an infection, autoimmune condition, or other inflammatory process that warrants further investigation.