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Anaemia Profile – Complete Guide to Understanding and Detecting Anaemia

Anaemia is a widespread health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, especially in developing countries like India. It occurs when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to the body’s tissues. This condition can lead to constant fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and if left untreated, may cause serious complications.

A single test is not enough to diagnose the exact cause of anaemia. That’s why doctors recommend a comprehensive Anaemia Profile, which combines multiple blood tests to evaluate red blood cells, iron levels, vitamin status, and genetic conditions that may be responsible.

Pathology Tests in the Anaemia Profile

• CBC (Complete Blood Count): Provides a complete picture of blood health. Checks hemoglobin, hematocrit, red and white blood cells, and platelets. Essential for detecting different types of anaemia (iron deficiency, megaloblastic, or hemolytic).
• Reticulocyte Count: Measures immature red blood cells. Helps in assessing bone marrow function and red blood cell production.
• CRP (C-Reactive Protein): Detects inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can often contribute to anaemia.

Vitamin Tests

• Vitamin B12: Crucial for the production of healthy red blood cells. Deficiency leads to megaloblastic anaemia, causing fatigue, numbness, and poor memory.
• Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Plays an important role in DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. Low levels can result in anaemia, especially in pregnant women.

Specialised Tests

• Hemoglobin (HB) Electrophoresis: Detects abnormal hemoglobin variants such as Thalassemia or Sickle Cell Anaemia. Recommended for people with a family history of genetic blood disorders.
• Iron Study: Includes serum iron, transferrin, TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity), and saturation levels. Differentiates between iron deficiency and anaemia due to other causes.
• G6PD Test: Screens for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency, a genetic disorder. Lack of this enzyme can cause sudden breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis).
• Ferritin: Measures stored iron in the body. Low ferritin confirms iron deficiency, the most common cause of anaemia.

Why Should You Take the Anaemia Profile?

• Early Detection: Identifies anaemia before symptoms worsen.
• Accurate Diagnosis: Determines whether anaemia is due to iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, genetic disorder, or chronic illness.
• Targeted Treatment: Helps doctors prescribe the right supplements or therapies.
• Health Monitoring: Especially useful for women, children, and elderly individuals prone to deficiencies.

Who Should Get Tested?

• Individuals experiencing fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or frequent infections.
• Women during pregnancy (to prevent complications for mother and baby).
• People with a family history of thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or G6PD deficiency.
• Children with delayed growth or low immunity.
• Patients with chronic illnesses such as kidney disease or autoimmune disorders.

Final Thoughts

Anaemia is not just about low hemoglobin – it has multiple causes that require careful investigation. A comprehensive Anaemia Profile provides a 360° evaluation of your blood health, covering nutritional, pathological, and genetic aspects.

Early testing and timely treatment can prevent long-term complications and improve your overall quality of life. If you or your loved ones experience symptoms of anaemia, consult your doctor and ask for a complete Anaemia Profile.