The Anaemia Profile is a blood test that looks at the main causes of anaemia together, checking your red blood cells alongside the iron, folate and vitamin B12 needed to make them. It suits anyone with tiredness, breathlessness or pale skin that could be linked to low blood counts, or anyone monitoring a known deficiency. The test costs £226.25, plus a £50 blood-draw fee, with results back in 2 days. You can walk in or book online at 117a Harley Street, seven days a week.
This profile is commonly requested for symptoms such as persistent tiredness, breathlessness on exertion, pale skin, brittle nails or a fast heartbeat, all of which can be signs of anaemia.
It is also used to investigate a known risk factor for deficiency, such as a restricted diet, heavy periods, pregnancy, or a digestive condition that affects how nutrients are absorbed.
Doctors use it to monitor iron, folate or B12 levels over time in people already being treated for a deficiency.
Most people do not need to fast before this test and can eat and drink normally beforehand. Follow any specific instruction from your doctor, and mention any iron, folate or B12 supplements you are taking to the phlebotomist, as recent supplementation can affect the results.
Low ferritin alongside low iron commonly points to iron-deficiency anaemia, often related to diet, blood loss such as heavy periods, or reduced absorption. Low folate or B12 can cause a different pattern of anaemia and, if left untreated for a long time, can also affect nerve function.
A raised ESR alongside these findings can suggest an underlying cause worth investigating further, such as inflammation or a digestive condition affecting absorption.
These markers work together rather than in isolation, so the full picture is best discussed with a doctor, who can also advise on treatment such as dietary changes or supplementation where appropriate.
If you want these markers alongside a doctor's examination and a wider health assessment, compare the Full Body MOT health check.
Written by Mr Stephen Lingam. Reviewed by Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes, often linked to diet, heavy periods or blood loss elsewhere. This profile also checks folate and B12, the other two most frequent nutritional causes.
Yes, some people have low iron stores with few or no symptoms, particularly in the early stages. That is one reason this profile is often included in general health checks rather than only when symptoms appear.
You do not necessarily need to stop, but tell the phlebotomist what you are taking and when you last took it, since recent supplementation can affect the results and how they are interpreted.
A doctor can advise on the likely cause and appropriate treatment, which may include dietary changes, supplements, or further tests to understand why the deficiency developed.