Tiredness and fatigue, which are frequently ignored by everyone, account for a frequently reported disorder known as anaemia. Anaemia profiles are a valuable tool for detecting the health of red blood cells (RBCs)/haemoglobin, decreased oxygen supply to body organs, and RBC dysfunction.
What is anaemia?
Anaemia occurs when your red blood cells (RBCs) are insufficient or do not function properly. RBCs transport oxygen all through your body to fuel your cells and provide energy. Your body cannot function properly without healthy RBCs performing their roles. Haemoglobin is a protein that carries RBCs around your body, and if your levels are less than ideal – 13.5 g/100 mL (in men) and 12g/100 mL (in women) – then you may have anaemia.
Anaemia is a relatively common condition that affects people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. Certain people, however, are at a higher risk of developing anaemia, like:
- People with low iron levels and vitamin intake
- Those with chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, HIV, tuberculosis, among others
- Individuals with a family history of inherited anaemia
- People who have had considerable blood loss from injury or surgery
There are several types of anaemia, each of which has a different cause. Anaemia can be short-term or chronic, and it can be mild to severe. Consult your physician if you think you have anaemia. It can be a sign of a serious illness. Your physician may order certain tests to diagnose your condition.
What are the signs and symptoms of anaemia?
Patients suffering from anaemia may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- An unusually fast heartbeat that worsens with exercise
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Dizziness
- Brittle nails
- Exercise-induced headache and shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Leg cramps
What is an advanced anaemia test?
The advanced anaemia test includes series of laboratory blood tests used to diagnose the underlying cause of anaemia.
LivLong has connections with the best labs across the country for anaemia testing. The advanced anaemia test package offered by LivLong includes the following tests (anaemia profile test list):
- Folic acid
- Folate
- Ferritin
- CBC
- Vitamin
- Iron study
What is the role of anaemia testing?
Routine blood tests, like those performed during a health check, may reveal anaemia in individuals who have mild symptoms or no symptoms.
Diagnostic anaemia lab tests can determine the levels of RBCs in individuals experiencing symptoms. An in-depth blood analysis can often aid in identifying the cause and type of anaemia.
Most tests require a blood sample because anaemia is a blood disorder; however, a physician may need to perform additional testing to rule out other possible causes.
What should you do before taking the anaemia test?
If you have an anaemia test scheduled, there are some things you could do to prepare.
- You must fast for a minimum of 8 to 12 hours prior to the test. This includes no drinks or food, excluding water.
- You should also refrain from engaging in any strenuous physical activity during this time.
- Inform your physician regarding any medications or supplements you are using. Some of these may have an impact on the test results.
Is at-home anaemia testing possible?
There are at-home test kits available that can analyse blood levels related to anaemia:
- Haemoglobin tests detect a protein found in red blood cells that may be deficient in anaemia.
- Tests that measure ferritin levels in the blood may suggest an iron deficiency.
These kits require you to prick your fingertip and collect a drop of blood.
At-home anaemia testing is not a full-proof diagnostic method. It should not replace medical care or lab testing requested by a doctor.
Takeaway
The advanced anaemia test is an important diagnostic tool for identifying and understanding the underlying causes of anaemia. The results of the test can help your doctor to decide the best course of treatment for you, including lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and, in some cases, medications or other interventions. It is a crucial step in managing and treating anaemia effectively.
