Anaemia Blood Test
May 1, 2026
Anaemia Blood Test
An anaemia blood test measures haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells), red blood cell count and indices, iron stores (ferritin), vitamin B12, and folate to diagnose anaemia and identify its underlying cause—because anaemia isn't a diagnosis in itself but a sign that something needs investigating, from simple iron deficiency to serious conditions like internal bleeding or bone marrow problems. Around 8% of women and 3% of men in the UK have anaemia.
At Blood Test London, our anaemia panel costs from £265 with results in 2-3 days. A doctor always reviews every result—not just flagging the anaemia, but investigating WHY.
Why Choose Blood Test London for Anaemia Testing?
Feature | Blood Test London | Basic Testing |
|---|---|---|
Doctor reviews every result | ✓ Always | Sometimes |
Tests for the CAUSE, not just anaemia | ✓ Yes | Often just haemoglobin |
Includes iron + B12 + folate | ✓ Yes | May be separate |
Results turnaround | 2-3 days | Often 5-7 days |
GP consultation if needed | ✓ Included | Usually extra |
We don't just tell you you're anaemic—we find out why.
What Our Anaemia Panel Measures
Core Anaemia Markers
Marker | What It Shows | Anaemia Threshold |
|---|---|---|
Haemoglobin (Hb) | Oxygen-carrying capacity | <120 g/L (women), <130 g/L (men) |
Red blood cell count | Number of red cells | Low in anaemia |
MCV | Red cell size | Small = iron deficiency, Large = B12/folate |
MCH | Haemoglobin per cell | Helps classify type |
Finding the Cause
Test | What It Identifies |
|---|---|
Ferritin | Iron deficiency (most common cause) |
Serum iron + TIBC | Iron availability |
Vitamin B12 | B12 deficiency anaemia |
Folate | Folate deficiency anaemia |
Reticulocytes | Bone marrow response |
Types of Anaemia
Iron Deficiency Anaemia (Most Common)
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Cause | Blood loss (periods, GI), poor intake, malabsorption |
Blood picture | Low ferritin, small red cells (low MCV) |
Symptoms | Fatigue, breathlessness, pale skin, brittle nails |
Treatment | Iron supplements, address cause |
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anaemia
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Cause | Pernicious anaemia, vegan diet, malabsorption |
Blood picture | Low B12, large red cells (high MCV) |
Symptoms | Fatigue + nerve symptoms (tingling, balance) |
Treatment | B12 injections or high-dose supplements |
Folate Deficiency Anaemia
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Cause | Poor diet, pregnancy, coeliac, alcohol |
Blood picture | Low folate, large red cells |
Symptoms | Similar to B12 but no nerve symptoms |
Treatment | Folic acid supplements |
Anaemia of Chronic Disease
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Cause | Inflammation, infection, cancer |
Blood picture | Low haemoglobin, often normal or high ferritin |
Symptoms | Underlying condition symptoms |
Treatment | Treat underlying cause |
Anaemia Symptoms
Common Symptoms
Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Cold hands and feet
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Headaches
Specific to Iron Deficiency
Brittle nails
Restless legs
Pica (craving ice, dirt)
Hair loss
Specific to B12 Deficiency
Tingling or numbness
Balance problems
Memory issues
Sore tongue
Who Should Test?
Heavy menstrual periods
Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
Vegetarian or vegan diet
Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
Previous anaemia diagnosis
GI conditions (coeliac, IBD, gastric surgery)
Unexplained breathlessness
Family history of anaemia
Our Anaemia Testing Options
Basic Anaemia Screen - £265
Full blood count
Ferritin
Doctor review
Comprehensive Anaemia Panel - £345
Full blood count
Full iron studies
Vitamin B12 and folate
Doctor interpretation
Anaemia Investigation + Cause - £445
All above plus:
Reticulocyte count
Inflammation markers
Extended consultation
Book Your Anaemia Test
Price: From £265
Results: 2-3 days
Doctor review: A doctor always reviews every result
Fasting: Not required
Book via WhatsApp | Phone: 020 3951 3429
FAQ
What's the difference between low iron and anaemia?
Low iron (ferritin) can exist without anaemia—you're depleted but not yet anaemic. We test both because symptoms often start before anaemia develops.
How long does it take to recover from anaemia?
With iron deficiency, haemoglobin typically improves within 2-4 weeks of treatment, but iron stores take 3-6 months to replenish.
Can I have anaemia with normal haemoglobin?
Technically no—anaemia IS defined by low haemoglobin. But you can have iron deficiency with normal haemoglobin, causing symptoms.
Why do I need to find the cause?
Treating anaemia without finding the cause can mask serious problems like GI bleeding or malabsorption.
Blood Test London by The Wellness. Anaemia testing from £265. A doctor always reviews every result.