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Are you feeling fatigued or generally weak but unsure if it’s due to low iron or anaemia? A full blood count and iron studies is one of the first steps in identifying and addressing iron deficiency and anaemia.
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Clotting status
Platelet count
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Platelets or clotting cells are the smallest type of blood cell. They are formed in the bone marrow and are important in blood clotting. When bleeding occurs, the platelets swell, clump together and form a sticky plug (a clot) which helps stop the bleeding.
MPV
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MPV, or Mean Platelet Volume, is a measurement of the average size of your platelets. Platelets are fragmented cells within the blood that aid the process of clot formation. MPV provides an indication of platelet production in your bone marrow.
Iron status
Iron
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Iron is a mineral that is essential for life. It is a component of haemoglobin, a protein in our red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen around our body. If we don't have enough iron, our haemoglobin levels fall and we can't get sufficient oxygen to our cells. This can cause symptoms which include fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Serum iron is a very transient reading and can be influenced by the amount of iron-rich food in your diet in the days before your blood test. For this reason, iron is rarely looked at on its own, and is interpreted alongside other markers in an iron status test.
TIBC
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Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is a measure of the ability of your body to efficiently carry iron through the blood.
Transferrin saturation
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Transferrin is made in the liver and is the major protein in the blood which binds to iron and transports it round the body. This test measures how much this protein is 'saturated' by iron.
Ferritin
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Ferritin is a protein which stores iron in your cells and tissues. Usually, the body incorporates iron into haemoglobin to be transported around the body, but when it has a surplus, it stores the remaining iron in ferritin for later use. Measuring ferritin levels gives us a good indication of the amount of iron stored in your body.
UIBC
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Unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) represents the portion of iron binding sites on transferrin that are not occupied by iron. UIBC is often measured along with iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) as a diagnostic tool to determine various iron disorders.
Red blood cells
Haemoglobin
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Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body and gives the blood its red colour. This test measures the amount of haemoglobin in the blood and is a good measure of the blood's ability to carry oxygen around the body.
Haematocrit
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HCT (haematocrit) measures the amount of space (volume) within the blood that is taken up by red blood cells.
Red cell count
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Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count analyses the number of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, where it can be used to fuel energy processes such as movement and respiration. They also carry carbon dioxide produced from cells back to the lungs so that it can be exhaled.
MCV
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MCV (mean corpuscular volume) reflects the average size of your red blood cells. This is important to measure, as it can indicate how much oxygen your cells are likely to be transporting around the body.
MCH
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MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin) measures the average amount of haemoglobin contained in one of your red blood cells.
MCHC
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MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) is the average concentration of haemoglobin in your red blood cells. Haemoglobin is a molecule which allows red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body.
RDW
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Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) indicates whether your red blood cells are all the same size, or different sizes or shapes. Normally cells are fairly uniform both in size and in shape, but some blood disorders may cause your red blood cells to form in abnormal sizes. This test measures the difference between the largest and the smallest red blood cell.
White blood cells
White cell count
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White Blood Cell (WBC) Count measures the number of white blood cells in the blood. White blood cells are key to your body's immune system. They fight infections and protect your body from foreign invaders such as harmful germs and bacteria. Additionally, they produce many antibodies and memory cells to protect you from further infections with the same germ.
Neutrophils
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Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell in the body and are responsible for helping your body fight infection. When a germ is initially detected by the body, neutrophils are the defence system which go out and attack the germ before any of your other white blood cells. When neutrophils are low you can be more vulnerable to illness and infection.
Lymphocytes
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Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell which fight bacterial and viral infections. They are the subset of white blood cells involved in the more specific response to infections, which can identify and differentiate between different foreign organisms that enter the body. As well as fighting infection, they produce antibodies and memory cells to help to prevent future infections from the same germ. Lymphocytes include T cells, B cells and natural killer cells.
Monocytes
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Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that surround and destroy germs and dead or damaged cells from the blood. The heat and swelling that you feel when a body part is inflamed, for example after a cut on your finger, is caused by the activities of these cells.
Eosinophils
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Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that are responsible for removing parasitic infections and regulating inflammation to mark an infected site. They also play a role in allergy and in asthma.
Basophils
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Special instructions
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your test by following these instructions. Take this test when any symptoms of short-term illness have settled. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.
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FAQs
Can this test detect anaemia?
This test measures your red blood cell count and haemoglobin which are used to detect anaemia. An iron profile can help determine whether anaemia may be caused by iron deficiency. If your levels are outside the normal range, the reporting doctor will provide advice on any next steps.
Can this test help diagnose why I feel tired all the time?
This test can help rule out iron deficiency, including iron deficiency anaemia, which is one of the most common causes of tiredness. However, there are many factors that contribute to tiredness such as stress, poor sleep, an underactive thyroid, depression, and medications. Therefore, if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, it’s important you get a full assessment with a healthcare professional to rule out other causes.
Can this test help monitor my immune system?
Yes, this test includes a white blood cell count, which helps assess your immune health. Abnormal levels can indicate infection or issues with your immune response.
Is this test useful if I follow a vegetarian or vegan diet?
People on plant-based diets can sometimes have lower iron levels, so this test will help you monitor your blood counts and iron health to ensure you’re not at risk of deficiency.
Can I take this test if I’m pregnant?
Yes. Let our doctors know in your lifestyle information that you’re pregnant and the reason for taking your test. It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor during pregnancy to make sure your test fits with your overall health needs.
Limitations of the test
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Ferritin levels may appear falsely raised with conditions such as infection, inflammation, liver or kidney conditions, or chronic alcohol consumption.