Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Fasting: 8–12 hours recommended
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive screening - measures multiple anemia biomarkers in one test
- Early detection - identifies anemia before severe symptoms develop
- Convenient access - no doctor visit required for ordering
- Fast results - get answers within days, not weeks
- Treatment guidance - pinpoints specific deficiencies for targeted therapy
- Peace of mind - rule out common causes of fatigue and weakness
Who Is This Test For?
- Women with heavy menstrual periods or pregnancy concerns
- Vegetarians and vegans at risk for nutrient deficiencies
- Adults over 65 experiencing unexplained fatigue or weakness
- People with chronic conditions like kidney disease or cancer
- Anyone with symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or pale skin
- Health-conscious individuals seeking preventive wellness screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - select your test and schedule lab visit
- Provide sample - quick blood draw at any our partnering labs nationwide
- Get results - secure online results within 3-5 days
FAQ
What does this panel test for? Iron levels, ferritin, transferrin, and TIBC to diagnose anemia types.
Do I need to fast before the test? Yes, fasting 8-12 hours is recommended for accurate iron measurements.
How accurate is this test? Modern ferritin thresholds show 85% sensitivity and 92% specificity for iron deficiency (AAFP 2021).
Will this detect all types of anemia? It identifies the most common types including iron, B12, and folate deficiency anemia.
Can I take this test if I'm on supplements? Inform your provider about all medications and supplements as they may affect results.
What if my results are abnormal? Consult with a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options and follow-up testing.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel evaluates multiple biomarkers to diagnose anemia and identify its underlying causes. Anemia affects 9.3% of Americans, with the highest rates in women (13%) compared to men (5.5%) (CDC 2024). The panel measures iron studies including total iron, ferritin, transferrin, and total iron-binding capacity to provide a complete picture of your iron status.
Who would benefit from this test?
Women of childbearing age face the highest anemia risk due to menstrual blood loss and pregnancy demands. Older adults, vegetarians, and people with chronic illnesses should consider regular screening. Black non-Hispanic females show the highest prevalence at 31.4% (CDC 2024). Anyone experiencing persistent fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath should get tested, as early detection prevents complications like heart failure and developmental delays.
When should I order this test?
Order this panel if you experience symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, cold hands and feet, pale skin, or irregular heartbeat. Consider testing if you belong to high-risk groups or want baseline health data for preventive care. Pregnant women, heavy menstrual bleeders, and those with chronic conditions benefit from regular monitoring.
How do I interpret the results?
Hemoglobin
- Normal Range: Men: >13 g/dL, Women: >12 g/dL
- Low Levels Mean: Anemia present
Ferritin
- Normal Range: >45 ng/mL
- Low Levels Mean: Iron deficiency likely
Iron
- Normal Range: 60–170 mcg/dL
- Low Levels Mean: Poor iron availability
Transferrin
- Normal Range: 200–400 mg/dL
- Low Levels Mean: May indicate inflammation
Ferritin below 45 ng/mL shows 85% sensitivity for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia in clinical studies.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw, drinking only water. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements, especially iron pills, which can affect results. Avoid collecting samples on Fridays to prevent shipping delays. Follow kit instructions carefully if using home collection.
How often should I get tested?
- Healthy adults: Every 2–3 years
- High-risk groups: Annually
- During treatment: Every 3–6 months
- Pregnancy: Each trimester
Why early detection matters
Untreated anemia leads to serious complications including heart problems, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children. Early diagnosis allows prompt treatment, improving energy levels, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. Studies show undiagnosed anemia reduces school and work performance (CDC 2024).
Related tests you may consider
Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) - provides broader organ health insights that may influence anemia management.
Vitamin B12 & Folate Panel - identifies megaloblastic anemia causes when iron levels are normal.
Thyroid #1 Baseline Panel - hypothyroidism can mimic anemia symptoms and contribute to fatigue.
