Do you feel tired and irritated all the time? Do you feel exerted after carrying out simple daily tasks? If yes, then there’s a possibility that you are anaemic. Anemia is a health disorder that affects people in both poor and rich countries. The main cause is a deficiency of iron, though malaria, hemoglobinopathy, and other medical conditions may also be responsible.

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity (via hemoglobin) is insufficient to meet the body’s needs. This varies based on age, sex, lifestyle factors, and smoking habits. In severe cases, anemia can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue.

What are the Tests Taken to Prevent Anemia?

Doctors may begin by checking for the following signs:

• Paleness in gums, nail beds, and skin
• Irregular heartbeats
• Rapid or uneven breathing
• Pelvic and rectal exam (to check for internal bleeding)
• Size of liver and spleen

Tests to Determine Whether You Have Anemia

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This measures several components of your blood. It checks your hemoglobin (an iron-rich protein that carries oxygen) and hematocrit (the percentage of your blood made up of red blood cells). Low levels of either indicate anemia.

Other Blood Tests

Reticulocyte Count: Measures immature red blood cells (reticulocytes). It shows whether your bone marrow is producing RBCs properly.

Peripheral Smear: A blood sample is examined under a microscope. For iron-deficiency anemia, RBCs appear smaller and paler than normal.

Tests to Measure Iron Levels: These help determine how much iron has been used from the body’s stored reserves.

Serum Ferritin Test: Measures stored iron levels. Low ferritin indicates iron deficiency.

Transferrin Level / Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): Measures how much transferrin protein is not carrying iron. High TIBC suggests iron-deficiency anemia.

Other Tests: Thyroid function tests, erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels (important for hemoglobin production), and fecal occult blood test (to detect intestinal bleeding) may also be recommended.