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Description

Anaemia – Iron Level Blood Test

Anaemia is a medical condition characterised by the shortage of red blood cells and/or the deficiency of haemoglobin, a compound found in the red blood cells which are responsible for transporting oxygen in your body.

Red blood cells and haemoglobin are essential in your body; without them, your tissues and cells will be starved of oxygen, leading to serious health complications.

Your body will not function correctly if there is an insufficient level of oxygen. Anaemia can be mild, moderate, or severe, and this depends on how much red blood cells and haemoglobin is lost.

We at Blood London Clinic are always available to get you tested using our reliable services at very affordable prices. All you need to do is put a call through to us to book an appointment, and you will be tested to ascertain if you are anaemic.

Risks Factors for Anaemia

Anaemia is quite common, and it affects both men and women no matter the age, race, or ethnic group. Some people have an increased risk of anaemia, and this includes people with poor diet, iron deficiency, deficiency in vitamins, and chronic diseases like cancer, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes.

Anaemia runs in some families, and members of such families have a high risk of developing anaemia. People with longstanding cases of tuberculosis and HIV are also at risk of anaemia.

Those who have lost a lot of blood through surgery and injury are at risks of anaemia. Women who have heavy bleeding during menstruation or lost blood during childbirth are also at risks of anaemia.

Don’t wait for complications before you get tested today. Reach out to us now!

Causes of Anaemia

There are two leading causes of anaemia; they are:

    • Decreased Production of Red Blood Cells: This is a significant cause of anaemia. Several factors may be responsible, as a deficiency in iron, B vitamins, and diseases that affect your bone marrow, making it difficult to produce new red blood cells.
    • Increased Destruction of Red Blood Cells: This can be as a result of excessive bleeding or haemolysis.

There are many types of anaemia and different causes; some patients might have more than one cause of anaemia. The table below shows the common types of anaemia.

Types of Anaemia Description Examples of Causes
Iron Deficiency Anaemia A deficiency in iron leads to a decreased amount of haemoglobin in your body.

This, in turn, leads to decreased production of healthy red blood cells.

This type of anaemia is caused by blood loss, poor absorption of iron from foods, and a diet low or lacking in iron.
Pernicious Anaemia and Vitamin B Deficiency Anaemia B vitamins, especially vitamin B12 promotes healthy growth and division of red blood cells, but a deficiency of these vitamins leads to a decreased production of healthy red blood cells. This type of anaemia can result from a diet deficient in B vitamins, lack of intrinsic factors, and poor absorption of B vitamins which can be caused by surgical removal of parts of the bowels and illnesses like Crohn’s disease.
Aplastic Anaemia This occurs when the bone marrow cannot produce all the cells it supposed to, and this includes the red blood cells.

Pure red cell aplasia occurs when only the production of red blood cells is affected.

This can be as a result of idiopathic aplastic anaemia, exposure to toxic substances, cancer therapy, inherited disorders, viral infections, and autoimmune disorders.
HaemolyticAnaemia The lifespan of a normal red blood cell is 120 days. Haemolyticanaemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed earlier, and this reduces their numbers drastically. This type can result from inherited disorders like sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia.

It can also be from some medications, autoimmune disease, and transfusion reaction.

Anaemia of Chronic Diseases Chronic diseases can reduce the production of red blood cells. This can be caused by longstanding infections like HIV or tuberculosis.

It can also be caused by kidney diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.

Forms of Anaemia

Anaemia can be chronic or acute, depending on how long it has been there or how fast it is developing.Chronic anaemia develops slowly over the years, and it is usually caused by long-term illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes.

Symptoms of chronic anaemia can be suppressed effectively by the main disease. Therefore, it might not be pronounced. This can make it undetectable until tests and examinations are carried out for other conditions.

Acute anaemia happens very fast as with cases of excessive bleeding or haemolytic conditions in which the red blood cells are rapidly destroyed.

Signs and Symptoms of Anaemia

The signs and symptoms of anaemia are similar even though there are many types and causes of anaemia. Mild and moderate anaemia can cause symptoms like:

      • Pale complexion
      • Breathlessness
      • Lack of energy
      • A constant feeling of tiredness

Signs and symptoms of severe anaemia are:

      • Chest pain
      • Fast or irregular heartbeat
      • Pale skin
      • Dizziness
      • Feeling cold or numb in the hands or feet
      • Headaches
      • Shortness of breath

Some patients say they hear a pounding sound in their ears.

If any of these symptoms seem familiar, do not wait for a tell-tale before you visit us for a test. Get tested at the Blood London clinic today!

Laboratory Tests

The laboratory tests used to detect the presence of anaemia in the body are:

Full Blood Count:

This is a routine test done to count the number and proportion of different types of cells in your body, which can be carried out as part of a health check or done when checking for other illnesses.

This test will give all the information needed to diagnose anaemia, and this includes the size, shape, and maturity of the red blood cells present in your body at that time.

Blood Film and Differential:

This test is done after a full blood count to confirm the result, especially if the result is positive. The result of this test will give us clues to what caused the anaemia.

Several other tests can also be carried out to ascertain the cause of the anaemia; this will guide us when deciding on the treatment method to use.

We run all types of blood tests, and anaemia is not left out. If you come up with these symptoms and you think you might be at risks of this condition, reach out to us today, and we will be glad to help.

We are at Suite E, 117a Harley St, Marylebone, London W1G 6AT. You can also reach us through phone 02071830244. Our lines are open 24/7.

Blood London have been providing Anaemia Blood Test on a self-referral basis to patients in Central and Greater London for over 20 years. Simply walk-in weekdays between 9am and 6pm or on weekends between 10am and 2pm, to have your blood taken by a highly experienced professional in our private, Harley Street clinic using some of the best labs in europe.

Please note that when ordering blood tests on a self-request basis, we will forward you the laboratory report without note or comment from our doctors unless you are under their care.

Following the results of your test, if you would like to undergo a consultation, further testing or treatment please feel free to reach out to the clinic and we'll be happy to help.

How Blood London Works

Order your test

Order your test

Select the test that you would like to undergo

Provide your sample

Provide your sample

Go to the Harley Street clinic for your blood draw and pay for your test in person

View your results

View your results

As soon as the results are ready, the will be sent to you by your chosen method

World class partner lab (TDL)

World class partner lab (TDL)

Advice from expert UK doctors

Advice from expert UK doctors

Repeat your tests and track your improvements!

Repeat your tests and track your improvements!

Comprehensive Blood Testing