Anemia Profile

Three laboratory tests that together report 23 biomarkers: a complete blood count covering haemoglobin, red cells, white cells and platelets, plus serum iron and vitamin B12. One appointment, one report, all values interpreted alongside each other.

A blood count can confirm that you are anaemic but not why. Shortages of iron and of vitamin B12 are among the most common nutritional causes, so measuring both in the same draw usually turns a finding into an explanation without a second appointment.

A great deal about where to look. Cells that are smaller and paler than usual often accompany iron shortage or an inherited haemoglobin condition, while unusually large cells raise the question of vitamin B12 or folate. Your doctor reads the indices with the rest of the panel.

Tiredness that sleep does not fix, breathlessness on mild exertion, palpitations, pale skin, dizziness, headaches, cold hands and feet, or hair shedding. Add pins and needles or a sore, smooth tongue and vitamin B12 becomes particularly relevant.

The Iron Profile measures iron transport only, for someone whose question is already about iron. This panel begins one step earlier: it establishes whether you are anaemic and then tests the two nutrients most likely to be behind it.

Yes. Stores usually run down well before haemoglobin falls, so a normal count can sit next to a low iron or B12 and symptoms that are real. That early stage is one reason the three tests are bundled rather than staged. A single serum iron does move through the day, though, so your doctor may add ferritin to judge your reserves properly.

No: it describes the anaemia rather than its source. If the pattern suggests ongoing blood loss, your doctor decides what comes next, which might involve gynaecological review, coeliac testing or a look at the digestive tract.

It can. Recent supplements or an injection lift the level measured in your blood, so a normal result soon after treatment is not proof that your stores were fine before it. Tell your doctor what you are taking and when you last took it.

Yes, 8–12 hours overnight with plain water, because serum iron is part of the panel and food affects it. Take prescribed medication as usual unless your doctor says otherwise, and plan to eat as soon as the phlebotomist has finished.

AED 129 covers all 23 biomarkers, free home sample collection anywhere in Dubai 7 days a week, and a physician-reviewed Smart Report within 24 hours. If you are not sure this is the right starting point, contact our care team first.