Anemia Panel

Affecting about 3.5 million Americans, anemia is the most common blood condition in the United States. It is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of anemia occur because organs aren't getting what they need to function properly.

Why this test is important:

Because there are many types and causes of anemia, we have created this panel to look at the most frequent causes, such as iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, and the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, and cold hands and feet.

The following persons should strongly consider testing:

• Women of childbearing age. They are particularly susceptible to iron-deficiency anemia because of the blood loss from menstruation and the increased blood supply demands during pregnancy.
• Young children
• People with chronic diseases
• Older adults who may have a greater risk of developing anemia because of poor diet and other medical conditions
• People that eat a vegetarian diet

Test includes:

• CBC
• CMP
• Iron & TIBC
• Ferritin
• Vitamin B12 & Folate
• HgA1c
• Reticulocyte Count

Test descriptions:

CBC

A complete blood count (CBC) gives important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. This panel of tests looks for many illnesses, including anemia, infections, and leukemia, in your blood.

CMP

A comprehensive metabolic panel is a blood test that measures your sugar (glucose) level, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney function, and liver function. This panel includes alt/sgpt, alkaline phosphatase, ast/sgot, bilrubin total, bun, calcium, carbon dioxide total, chloride, creatinine, globulin, glucose, potassium, protein total, sodium. AG ratio, bun/creatinine ratio.

Iron & TIBC

Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. The total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test looks at how well the iron moves through your body.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood.

Vitamin B12 & Folate

A vitamin B12 & folate are ordered to help diagnose the cause of macrocytic anemia. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of normal red blood cells, nerve function, and tissue and cellular repair.

HgA1c

A Hemoglobin A1C test provides a measurement of a person’s average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months by determining the percentage of their hemoglobin which is glycated. This test includes a calculation for estimated average glucose (eAG). EAG is a measurement which indicates a person’s average daily blood sugar level.

Reticulocyte Count

A reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures how fast red blood cells are made by the bone marrow and released into the blood. Reticulocytes are in the blood for about 2 days before developing into mature red blood cells.

Test Type:

Blood test*

This test requires blood work. You’ll receive an email within 24-48 hours with a lab requisition form and necessary instructions. Take this to a local LabCorp Patient Service Center to have your blood drawn.

Please note:

All tests are authorized and reviewed by a physician from our partner laboratory.

Results:

Your results will be emailed to you 3-5 business days from receipt. You will also receive a brief analysis of your test results with general recommendations from a Village Green licensed nutritionist.

Questions?

Email a Village Green nutritionist or call 800-869-9159.

*Blood testing services are available only in the continental United States and Anchorage, AK. Not available in New York or New Jersey.