What can the Advanced Anaemia Test tell me?

This blood test will check for anaemia (low haemoglobin level in the blood) and also screen for the common causes of anaemia - iron or vitamin B12 deficiency. This means you'll get certainty over whether or not you have anaemia and what you might be able to change in your diet, lifestyle or supplements to sort it out.

Who should not use the Advanced Anaemia Test?

We do not recommend using this test panel if you: are a child (17 years or under) are pregnant are feeling acutely unwell - e.g. with a cold or flu or if you have new-onset (i.e. within the last few days) symptoms. If you're unsure if you should use this test panel, please contact us for advice.

Advanced Anaemia Test

Get to the bottom of your tiredness with a very detailed blood test to check for both anaemia and its common causes.

Results and doctor's report in 3 days or less
Free, next-working day delivery

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Personalise your Advanced Anaemia Test

You can choose how you'd like to collect your blood sample.

Choose how to collect your blood sample

Visit a clinic to have your blood taken

£35.00

Visit one of our partner clinics and have a healthcare professional take blood from a vein in your arm. We'll email you with details of how to book your clinic visit after you've placed your order. Over 18s only.

Book a venous draw at home or work with a nurse

£70.00

Arrange your own venous blood draw

Free

Dr Claire Merrifield

GP, PhD and our Medical Director

What you need to know about our Advanced Anaemia Test

Dr Claire Merrifield

GP, PhD and our Medical Director

Anaemia is a condition where your blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen to the places your body needs it. Anaemia may sound serious, but it’s very common and is often the root cause of symptoms like:

Tiredness and fatigue
Shortness of breath
Light-headedness
Pale skin Anaemia is usually caused by either losing blood from somewhere or not making enough haemoglobin (that’s your blood’s oxygen-carrying molecule). For example, women (pre-menopausal) will lose blood with their monthly cycle, and this can often cause anaemia. Vegetarians and vegans may not get enough iron or vitamin B12 in their diet which can also be a cause. Our advanced anaemia blood test will not only check if you have anaemia but also screen for common causes. This means you’ll know what to change in your diet or lifestyle, or which supplements will sort it out.

What's tested in your Advanced Anaemia Test?

Anaemia Status
A 'full blood count' checks your haemoglobin level along with the other core cell counts and measurements in your blood.
WHAT'S MEASURED?
- Haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body.
- Haematocrit measures the concentration of red blood cells in the blood.
- Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, bound to haemoglobin.
- The mean cell volume is the average volume or size of each red blood cell.
- The mean cell haemoglobin is the average amount of haemoglobin in each red cell.
- The mean cell haemoglobin concentration is the average concentration of haemoglobin in each red cell.
- The red cell distribution width looks at how much difference there is between the sizes of your red blood cells.
- Platelets help to stop bleeding if you cut yourself.
- Mean platelet volume is the average volume or size of each platelet.
- White blood cells are a group of cells which help fight infection.
- Neutrohils are the commonest type of white blood cell that help fight infection.
- Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that can help fight viral infections.
- Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that help fight long-standing infection.
- Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that are involved in allergic reactions and fighting parasitic infections.
- Basophils are a type of white blood cell that are involved involved in allergic responses and fighting parasitic infections.
Iron Status
Iron deficiency is one of the commonest causes of anaemia. Women before the menopause and people on plant-based diets are at particularly high risk of iron deficiency.
WHAT'S MEASURED?
- Ferritin is a biomarker of the levels of iron in the body. Iron deficiency causes anaemia and tiredness.
Essential Vitamins
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common cause of anaemia, particularly in people on a plant-based diet
WHAT'S MEASURED?
- Vitamin B12 is essential for your body to make DNA and is particularly important for your blood cells and nerves. Low levels can cause anaemia as well as tingling and numbness.

Find out more

: This blood test will check for anaemia (low haemoglobin level in the blood) and also screen for the common causes of anaemia - iron or vitamin B12 deficiency. This means you'll get certainty over whether or not you have anaemia and what you might be able to change in your diet, lifestyle or supplements to sort it out.
: We do not recommend using this test panel if you:

are a child (17 years or under)

are pregnant

are feeling acutely unwell - e.g. with a cold or flu or if you have new-onset (i.e. within the last few days) symptoms.

If you're unsure if you should use this test panel, please contact us for advice.