Anaemia Profile-Mini

Decrease in haemoglobin level or number of red blood cells (RBC) leads to anaemia. This affect oxygen carrying capacity of blood to various tissues and organs. Commonest cause is nutritional deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid  
This can be due to either a lack of these substances in the diet, an increased loss that cannot be compensated by diet alone or an increased unmet demand during pregnancy and lactation. 
Common symptoms of anaemia include difficulty in fatigue, weakness, tiredness, irritability, headache, shortness of breath

Overview

An anaemia profile is a set of tests used to diagnose anaemia.

The anaemia profile mini provides a quick, easy and cost-effective way to determine if an individual has anaemia. It involves a simple finger-prick test that measures levels of haemoglobin in the blood. The results are then compared with normal levels for age, gender and race and can indicate whether further testing is needed for a more detailed diagnosis.

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition where the body isn't producing enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin, an iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

Symptoms may include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath and dizziness. A variety of factors including nutritional deficiencies, chronic disease or genetic disorders can cause it.

Who Should Get an Anaemia Profile-Mini Done?

People with the following symptoms should get this test done:

• Patients having any of the symptoms of anaemia, such as tiredness, weakness and pale skin.
• Patients with a family history of anaemia.
• Patients with unexplained iron deficiency or low red blood cell count.
• Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy.
• Elderly people are at an increased risk for anaemia.

Written by: Dr. T Priya, MBBS, DCP, MD Pathology