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Understanding the Test
Test Measures
FAQ's
References
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Nutritional Anemia Package.

Also known as Nutritional anemia panel, Iron deficiency anemia panel, Anemia profile
Nutritional Anemia Package. Includes 28 testsView All
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory.
  2. The sample should be collected preferably before noon.
  3. Avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours prior to sample collection.

Understanding Nutritional Anemia Package.


What is Nutritional Anemia Package.?

The Nutritional Anemia Package. comprises a group of blood tests that helps identify and address various types of anemia caused by nutritional deficiencies. These tests help assess the levels of key nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, vitamin B9, Ferritin, etc, as well as markers of red blood cell health. This package helps doctors determine the underlying cause of anemia and formulate targeted treatment plans to replenish nutrient deficiencies and improve overall health.

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. The Nutritional Anemia Package. comprises a series of blood tests aimed at assessing levels of essential nutrients involved in red blood cell production and function. These include tests to measure serum iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, and B9, as well as complete blood count (CBC) tests that measure the markers of red blood cell health such as hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), etc. By analyzing these parameters doctors can identify deficiencies in key nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, etc, which are crucial for the synthesis of hemoglobin and the production of healthy red blood cells. 

The Nutritional Anemia Package. helps screen anemia in individuals at risk, such as pregnant women, infants, menstruating adolescent girls and women, individuals with a family history of anemia (hereditary anemia), individuals with chronic diseases and infections, and populations with limited access to diverse diets. Also, consider getting tested with the Nutritional Anemia Package. when you experience symptoms such as extreme tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeat, dizziness or lightheadedness, or cold hands and feet suggestive of anemia. 

This package helps doctors determine the underlying cause of anemia more effectively. Doctors may suggest the Nutritional Anemia Package. during pregnancy when women are at increased risk of developing iron deficiency anemia due to physiological demands. It can be done in children, especially infants and toddlers vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies that can lead to anemia. Also, individuals with chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, or cancer may experience anemia as a secondary complication and doctors may suggest this package for the comprehensive management of such patients to address nutritional deficiencies and optimize treatment outcome. Additionally, the Nutritional Anemia Package. when done as a part of routine checkup, can help doctors detect and manage anemia early on. 

Overnight fasting for 8-12 hours is preferred before taking this package. However, it is not mandatory. Make sure the sample is collected before noon. Also, avoid taking iron supplements for at least 24 hours before the sample collection. Additionally, inform your doctor about any other medications or supplements that you are taking as these may affect the test results. 

Lab test results may vary depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Never self-medicate at home solely based on these results and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of your test results. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, recommend lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medications are required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan. 

What is Nutritional Anemia Package. used for?

The Nutritional Anemia Package. is done: 

  • To identify individuals at risk of anemia early on. 
  • To find out the underlying nutritional deficiencies contributing to anemia. 
  • If you have signs or symptoms such as chronic fatigue, pale skin, tiredness, dizziness, weakness, headache, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, etc, suggestive of anemia.
  • As a part of a routine investigation in high-risk populations including pregnant women, children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and individuals with a family history of anemia. 
  • In individuals with underlying chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, etc, which can lead to anemia as a secondary complication. 
  • As a part of follow-up testing in individuals receiving treatment for anemia to monitor the progress over time.

What does Nutritional Anemia Package. measure?

Contains 28 tests

The Nutritional Anemia Package. includes a range of blood tests that measure the levels of various nutrients including iron, vitamin B12, and B9 which are essential for red blood cell synthesis and deficiencies of these nutrients can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by abnormally large red blood cells. Also, this package includes a complete blood count (CBC) test that helps assess various markers such as hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), etc, central to the health of red blood cells. 

Testing with the Nutritional Anemia Package. helps in the identification of underlying nutritional deficiencies contributing to anemia. This package helps doctors curate the treatment plan and recommend certain medications including iron supplements and other lifestyle changes which can help improve overall health.

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Serum Iron Studies Basic

The Serum Iron Studies Basic package measures the level of iron in the body. It comprises a series of blood tests, including a serum iron test that measures the level of iron in the blood, a Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) test that reflects the body's iron stores, an unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) test that reflects binding of iron with transferrin which is the main protein that binds with iron, and transferrin saturation test that checks how much transferrin is saturated with iron.

Know more about Serum Iron Studies Basic

  • Total Iron Binding Capacity

  • The Total Iron Binding Capacity test measures the ability of your blood to bind and transport iron, and therefore reflects your body's iron stores. TIBC correlates with the amount of transferrin, a protein, in your blood, that helps bind iron and facilitates its transportation in the blood. Usually, about one-third of the transferrin measured is being used to transport iron, and this is called transferrin saturation.

  • Iron, Serum

  • An Iron, Serum test determines iron levels in the blood and can help diagnose conditions like anemia, or iron overload in the body. People usually suffer from low iron levels in the blood if they prefer a diet that has low iron content, or if their body has trouble absorbing the iron from the foods or supplements they intake. Low iron levels can also occur due to intense blood loss or even during pregnancy. Similarly, an excess amount of iron in the blood can occur due to over-intake of iron supplements, blood transfusions, or if you are suffering from a condition called hemochromatosis (a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the body or cause problems in the body to remove excess iron). 

    Therefore, doctors often suggest an Iron, Serum to help check the status of your iron level, get valuable information about your nutritional well-being, detect potential health issues (if any), and take timely preventive measures.

  • Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

  • An Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity test determines the reserve capacity of transferrin, i.e., the portion not yet saturated with iron. The iron-binding capacity of our body can be segregated into two parts – Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC). UIBC refers to the capacity of transferrin, a protein that transports iron, to bind with additional iron. In easy terms, it represents the available "slots" on transferrin to carry iron molecules. Unlike iron saturation, which assesses the occupied slots, UIBC measures the unoccupied ones.

  • Transferrin Saturation

  • The Transferrin Saturation test determines an individual’s iron status by using the ratio of serum iron concentration and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) as a percentage. The test tells us how much iron in the blood is bound to transferrin, the main protein in the blood that binds to iron and transports it throughout the body. Under normal conditions, transferrin is one-third saturated with iron, so about two-thirds of its capacity is held in reserve. This test is often employed alongside others to evaluate iron levels and diagnose conditions like iron deficiency anemia if transferrin saturation is low or hemochromatosis (an iron overload disorder) if transferrin saturation is higher than normal.

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Vitamin B12

The Vitamin B12 test measures your vitamin B12 levels. Vitamin B12 is essential for various health aspects, such as maintaining a healthy nervous system, making red blood cells, and creating the genetic material of our cells. Low vitamin B12 levels are more likely to occur in older adults, children, vegans, vegetarians, people with diabetes, individuals who underwent gastric bypass surgery, women who are breastfeeding, and in conditions that impact absorption of this vitamin, like Crohn’s disease. Higher vitamin B12 levels seen in pateint on vitamin suplement does not need treatment as excessive vitamin B12 is usually removed through the urine. However, some conditions, such as liver diseases and myeloproliferative disorders, can cause an increase in vitamin B12 levels, thereby affecting blood cell production.

Know more about Vitamin B12

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Serum Ferritin

The Serum Ferritin test measures the concentration of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein found in cells, particularly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, that stores iron in a soluble or nontoxic form. When the body needs iron for essential functions like producing red blood cells and carrying oxygen, it releases iron from ferritin into the blood.

The Serum Ferritin test provides valuable information about the body's iron storage levels. Low ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency, a condition where the body lacks enough iron to function properly. In contrast, elevated ferritin levels can indicate iron overload, a condition known as hemochromatosis. Iron overload can lead to organ damage if not adequately managed, making early detection crucial.

The Serum Ferritin test is a critical tool for assessing iron status, diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, monitoring treatment progress, detecting other iron-related disorders, and maintaining overall health.

Know more about Serum Ferritin

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Vitamin B 9

The Vitamin B 9 test analyzes the levels of vitamin B9 in the blood. Vitamin B9 is a part of the B complex of vitamins and is an essential nutrient, meaning the body cannot produce it and has to be taken into the diet. Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, whereas folic acid refers to a supplement that is added to food and drinks. The deficiency of vitamin B9 (folic acid) can also lead to macrocytic anemia in which the size of the RBCs becomes larger than normal.

Know more about Vitamin B 9

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CBC (Complete Blood Count)

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test evaluates red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs}, and platelets. Each of these blood cells performs essential functions–RBCs carry oxygen from your lungs to the various body parts, WBCs help fight infections and other diseases, and platelets help your blood to clot–so determining their levels can provide significant health information. A CBC test also determines the hemoglobin level, a protein in RBC that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body. Evaluating all these components together can provide important information about your overall health.

Know more about CBC (Complete Blood Count)

  • Differential Leukocyte Count

  • There are five types of WBCs: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. A Differential Leukocyte Count test measures the percentage of each type of WBC in the blood. Leukocytes or WBCs are produced in the bone marrow and defend the body against infections and diseases. Each type of WBC plays a unique role to protect against infections and is present in different numbers.

    This further contains

    • Differential Neutrophil Count
    • Differential Lymphocyte Count
    • Differential Monocyte Count
    • Differential Eosinophil Count
    • Differential Basophil Count
  • Red Blood Cell Count

  • The Red Blood Cell Count test measures the total number of red blood cells in your blood. RBCs are the most abundant cells in the blood with an average lifespan of 120 days. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and destroyed in the spleen or liver. Their primary function is to help carry oxygen from the lungs to different body parts. The normal range of RBC count can vary depending on age, gender, and the equipment and methods used for testing.

  • Hb (Hemoglobin)

  • An Hb (Hemoglobin) test measures the concentration of hemoglobin protein in your blood. Hemoglobin is made up of iron and globulin proteins. It is an essential part of RBCs and is critical for oxygen transfer from the lungs to all body tissues. Most blood cells, including RBCs, are produced regularly in your bone marrow. The Hb test is a fundamental part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is used to monitor blood health, diagnose various blood disorders, and assess your response to treatments if needed.

  • Platelet Count

  • The Platelet Count test measures the average number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are disk-shaped tiny cells originating from large cells known as megakaryocytes, which are found in the bone marrow. After the platelets are formed, they are released into the blood circulation. Their average life span is 7-10 days. 

    Platelets help stop the bleeding, whenever there is an injury or trauma to a tissue or blood vessel, by adhering and accumulating at the injury site and releasing chemical compounds that stimulate the gathering of more platelets. A loose platelet plug is formed at the site of injury and this process is known as primary hemostasis. These activated platelets support the coagulation pathway that involves a series of steps, including the sequential activation of clotting factors; this process is known as secondary hemostasis. After this step, there is a formation of fibrin strands that form a mesh incorporated into and around the platelet plug. This mesh strengthens and stabilizes the blood clot so that it remains in place until the injury heals. After healing, other factors come into play and break the clot down so that it gets removed. In case the platelets are not sufficient in number or not functioning properly, a stable clot might not form. These unstable clots can result in an increased risk of excessive bleeding. 

  • Total Leukocyte Count

  • The Total Leukocyte Count test measures the numbers of all types of leukocytes, namely neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil, in your blood. Leukocytes or WBCs are an essential part of our immune system. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and defend the body against infections and diseases. Each type of WBC plays a unique role to protect against infections and is present in different numbers.

  • Hematocrit

  • The Hematocrit test measures the proportion of red blood cells (RBCs) in your blood as a percentage of the total blood volume. It is a crucial part of a complete blood count (CBC) and helps in assessing your blood health. RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body. The hematocrit test provides valuable information about your blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

    Higher-than-normal amounts of RBCs produced by the bone marrow can cause the hematocrit to increase, leading to increased blood density and slow blood flow. On the other hand, lower-than-normal hematocrit can be caused by low production of RBCs, reduced lifespan of RBCs in circulation, or excessive bleeding, leading to a reduced amount of oxygen being transported by RBCs. Monitoring your hematocrit levels is essential for diagnosing and managing various blood-related disorders.

  • Mean Corpuscular Volume

  • The Mean Corpuscular Volume test measures the average size of your red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your body. This test tells whether your RBCs are of average size and volume or whether they are bigger or smaller.

  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin

  • An MCH test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell (RBC). Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in RBCs, and its major function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to all body parts. This test provides information about how much oxygen is being delivered to the body by a certain number of RBCs.

  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration

  • An MCHC test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in a given volume of RBCs. MCHC is calculated by dividing the amount of hemoglobin by hematocrit (volume of blood made up of RBCs) and then multiplying it by 100. 

  • Mean Platelet Volume

  • An MPV test measures the average size of the platelets in your blood. Platelets are disk-shaped tiny cells originating from large cells known as megakaryocytes, which are found in the bone marrow. After the platelets are formed, they are released into the blood circulation. Their average life span is 7-10 days. 

    Platelets help stop bleeding whenever there is an injury or trauma to a tissue or blood vessel by adhering and accumulating at the injury site, and by releasing chemical compounds that stimulate the gathering of more platelets. After these steps, a loose platelet plug is formed at the site of injury, and this process is known as primary hemostasis. These activated platelets support the coagulation pathway that involves a series of steps including the sequential activation of clotting factors; this process is known as secondary hemostasis. After this, there is a formation of fibrin strands that form a mesh incorporated into and around the platelet plug. This mesh strengthens and stabilizes the blood clot so that it remains in place until the injury heals. After healing, other factors come into play and break the clot down so that it gets removed. In case the platelets are not sufficient in number or are not functioning properly, a stable clot might not form. These unstable clots can result in an increased risk of excessive bleeding. 

  • PDW

  • The PDW test reflects variability in platelet size, and is considered a marker of platelet function and activation (clot formation in case of an injury). This marker can give you additional information about your platelets and the cause of a high or low platelet count. Larger platelets are usually younger platelets that have been recently released from the bone marrow, while smaller platelets may be older and have been in circulation for a few days. Higher PDW values reflect a larger range of platelet size, which may result from increased activation, destruction and consumption of platelets.

  • RDW CV

  • The RDW CV test which is part of red cell indices, helps identify characteristics of red blood cells. RDW (red cell distribution width) measures the variations in the sizes of red blood cells, indicating how much they differ from each other in a blood sample. RDW is expressed as RDW-CV, a coefficient of variation. A higher RDW may suggest more variation in red cell sizes, while a lower RDW indicates more uniform red cell sizes.

  • Absolute Leucocyte Count

  • The Absolute Leucocyte Count test measures the total number of white blood cells (leucocytes) in the given volume of blood. It examines different types of white blood cells such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils. These cells tell about the status of the immune system and its ability to fight off infections and other conditions like inflammation, allergies, bone marrow disorders etc.

    This further contains

    • Absolute Lymphocyte Count
    • Absolute Neutrophil Count
    • Absolute Basophil Count
    • Absolute Monocyte Count
    • Absolute Eosinophil Count

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nutritional Anemia Package.


Frequently Asked Questions about Nutritional Anemia Package.

Q. Why is the Nutritional Anemia Package. test performed?

The Nutritional Anemia Package. comprises a group of blood tests that helps identify and address underlying nutritional deficiencies contributing to anemia.

Q. When should the Nutritional Anemia Package. be done?

The Nutritional Anemia Package. can be done when an individual experiences symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, tiredness, dizziness, weakness, headache, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, etc, suggestive of anemia, or when they have risk factors such as family history of anemia, chronic diseases, poor dietary intake, or physiological conditions like pregnancy.

Q. Is there any specific preparation needed for the Nutritional Anemia Package.?

Yes, usually overnight fasting of 8-12 hours is preferred for the Nutritional Anemia Package. test. However, drinking water is permissible. Also, you need to avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours before getting tested.

Q. What is anemia?

Anemia is a medical condition that occurs when your body lacks red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity to body tissues. 

Q. Which is the most common anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It happens when you do not have enough iron in your body

Q. Is anemia normal during pregnancy?

Yes. Since blood volume increases during pregnancy, mild anemia is normal.

Q. Which food is good for anemia?

Consuming spinach, broccoli, lentils, peas, figs, dates, dark chocolate, tofu, eggs, iron-fortified cereals, etc, are some of the good sources of iron.  Including iron-rich foods in your diet can help support the synthesis of red blood cells and manage anemia.
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References

  1. Anemia [Internet]. WHO; 01 May. 2023 [Accessed 21 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anaemia External Link
  2. Turner J, Parsi M, Badireddy M. Anemia. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499994/ External Link
  3. Freeman AM, Rai M, Morando DW. Anemia Screening. [Updated 2023 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499905/ External Link
  4. Badireddy M, Baradhi KM. Chronic Anemia. [Updated 2023 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534803/ External Link
  5. Campbell NR, Hasinoff BB. Iron supplements: a common cause of drug interactions. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1991 Mar;31(3):251-5. [Accessed 21 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1368348/ External Link
  6. Iron deficiency anemia [Internet]. NHS; 29 Jan. 2023 [Accessed 21 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/ External Link
  7. How is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed? [Internet]. HOA; [Accessed 21 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.hoacny.com/patient-resources/blood-disorders/what-iron-deficiency-anemia/how-iron-deficiency-anemia-diagnosed External Link
  8. Badireddy M, Baradhi KM. Chronic Anemia. [Updated 2023 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534803/ External Link
  9. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Micronutrient Deficiencies; Howson CP, Kennedy ET, Horwitz A, editors. Prevention of Micronutrient Deficiencies: Tools for Policymakers and Public Health Workers. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1998. 3, Prevention of Iron Deficiency. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230103/ External Link
  10. ANEMIA Diagnosis [Internet]. NIH; 22 Mar. 2022 [Accessed 21 Mar. 2024]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/diagnosis External Link

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