Anemia test: how to detect iron, vitamin and oxygen deficiency

Anemia is one of the most common conditions in the world. It affects about 30% of the world's population, but often goes unnoticed. A person simply gets used to fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath. And only when the symptoms begin to interfere with work or an active life, the question arises: "Is this anemia?" In fact, it is easy to check. One analysis can give an answer and prevent complications.

Anemia: what it is and why diagnosis is important

Anemia is decrease in the number of hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood, which leads to impaired oxygen transport. In this case, the body's cells literally "suffocate." The brain, heart, muscles - everything works in oxygen deficiency mode. The consequences - reduced performance, deterioration of cognitive functions, metabolic disorders, organ damage.

Early diagnosis of anemia allows not only to restore health, but also to avoid complications such as heart failure, chronic brain hypoxia, and decreased immunity.

Symptoms of anemia: how they differ in adults, children and pregnant women

Anemia manifests itself in different ways, depending on age, gender, and the body's compensatory capabilities.

In adults:
– Constant fatigue, weakness, drowsiness
– Paleness of the skin and mucous membranes
– Throbbing headache
– Increased sensitivity to cold
– Palpitations, shortness of breath on exertion
– Irritability, difficulty concentrating

In children:
– Poor appetite
– Growth and development delay
– Frequent infections
– Poor performance in school
– Brittle nails, dull hair

In pregnant women:
– Dizziness
– Muscle weakness
– Pressure drop
– Sleep disturbances
– Fetal growth retardation, risk of hypoxia

What tests are needed to diagnose anemia?

Diagnosis of anemia begins with complete blood count (ZAK), and then — depending on the results — additional examinations are prescribed:

• Hemoglobin (Hb) — the main indicator.

• Hematocrit (Hct) — reflects the ratio of cells and plasma.

• Red blood cells (RBC) — the number of red blood cells.

• MCV (mean corpuscular volume) — determines micro- or macrocyticity.

• MCH, MCHC — indicators of hemoglobin content in erythrocytes.

• Reticulocytes — young erythrocytes, their level indicates bone marrow activity.

The following are assigned:

• Ferritin — the main marker of iron stores.

• Serum iron, TIBC (total iron binding capacity)

• Vitamin B12, folic acid — for the diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia.

• Bilirubin, LDH - if hemolysis is suspected.

• Fecal occult blood test - with probable chronic blood loss.

Table: what tests are needed for different types of anemia

How to interpret the results

– Low hemoglobin (<120 g/L in women, <130 g/L in men) — basis for further diagnostics
– MCV <80 — microcytic anemia (probably iron deficiency)
– MCV >100 — macrocytic anemia (B12 or folate deficiency)
– Low ferritin (<30 ng/mL) — a reliable sign of iron deficiency
– Normal ferritin but low hemoglobin — possibly anemia of chronic disease

Who should get checked regularly?

– Women of childbearing age — annually, especially with heavy menstruation
– Pregnant women — every trimester
– People with chronic diseases (gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, rheumatism) — every 3–6 months
– Children under 5 years old — control as needed (poor appetite, fatigue, poor weight)
– Vegans/vegetarians — once a year, especially B12 levels
– Donors — before each blood donation

How to prepare for the analysis

– Donate blood in the morning on an empty stomach (8–12 hours without food)
– Eliminate alcohol and fatty foods for 2 days
– Do not take iron-containing medications without a doctor's advice.
– Postpone the test if there is an acute infection — it may temporarily affect the results

What to do after receiving the results

– Do not self-medicate. — it is important to accurately determine the type of anemia
– If iron deficiency is confirmed, choose an iron preparation taking into account tolerability, duration of administration, and dietary adjustments.
– Repeated control after 1–3 months — the dynamics of hemoglobin and ferritin are assessed
– If necessary, referral to a hematologist, gastroenterologist, or nephrologist

Anemia isn't just about iron. Sometimes it's signal of more serious violations, which are detected precisely thanks to a simple blood test. Therefore, timely testing is the key to long-term well-being and a full life.