Anemia
Anemia workup: hemoglobin, iron, transferrin, CBC, and B12.
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Included Markers
7 markersAn anemia-focused panel that measures hemoglobin, iron markers, complete blood count, and Vitamin B12. These markers together can help characterize the type and possible cause of anemia.
Why this test?
Anemia refers to a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin, which can affect oxygen delivery throughout the body. There are different types of anemia with different underlying causes, including iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, and chronic disease. This panel measures markers that may help distinguish between these types and inform a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Who is this test for?
This test may be relevant for women who:
- Experience symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, or dizziness
- Have heavy menstrual periods and are concerned about blood loss
- Have been told they may be anemic and want to understand the type
- Want to check both iron and B12 as potential contributors
What is tested?
This panel measures seven markers:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): includes red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell indices
- Hemoglobin: the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
- Ferritin: reflects iron stores
- Iron (Serum): circulating iron levels
- Transferrin: the iron transport protein
- Transferrin Saturation: percentage of transferrin carrying iron
- Vitamin B12: involved in red blood cell production; deficiency can cause a specific type of anemia
What can this test tell you?
The CBC and hemoglobin indicate whether anemia is present. The iron markers (ferritin, serum iron, transferrin, saturation) can help determine whether iron deficiency may be contributing. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a different type of anemia characterized by larger-than-normal red blood cells. Together, these markers may help a healthcare provider understand the likely type and guide next steps.
How is the sample collected?
The test requires a blood draw at a certified sample point (afnamepunt). There are over 750 locations across the Netherlands. After placing your order, you can select a convenient location and schedule your visit.
When is this test useful?
This test may be considered when:
- You experience symptoms that may be associated with anemia
- You have heavy menstrual periods and want to assess iron status alongside blood count
- You want to differentiate between iron-deficiency and other types of anemia
- A healthcare provider has suggested checking anemia-related markers
What do the results mean?
Low hemoglobin with low ferritin and low transferrin saturation may suggest iron-deficiency anemia. Low hemoglobin with low B12 and large red blood cells (high MCV on CBC) may suggest B12-deficiency anemia. Normal iron with low hemoglobin may point to other causes. Results are intended to be interpreted by a healthcare provider who can consider the full pattern.
Preparation
Fasting is recommended for the most accurate iron-related results. If you take iron supplements, it is advisable to avoid them for 24 hours before the blood draw.
What happens after the results?
Your results are typically available within a few working days. Each marker is shown with your value, the reference range, and an explanation. These results can be discussed with your healthcare provider to determine the type of anemia, if present, and appropriate next steps.
From order to report in 4 steps
Test when you want, not only when symptoms are severe. No waiting list, no referral needed. Just order and go.
Choose your hormone test
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Receive your lab referral
Within 2-3 hours you'll receive an email from ZorgDomein with a barcode. Orders outside business hours are processed the next business day.
Get tested at a lab near you
Show the barcode on your phone and bring a valid ID. Done in under 15 minutes.
Receive your report from the doctor
A BIG-registered physician reviews your hormone values and writes a personal report. On your dashboard within a few business days.
Choose your hormone test
Browse our hormone panels and pick what you want tested. Compare markers and prices, or build a custom test.
Receive your lab referral
Within 2-3 hours you'll receive an email from ZorgDomein with a barcode. Orders outside business hours are processed the next business day.
Get tested at a lab near you
Show the barcode on your phone and bring a valid ID. Done in under 15 minutes.
Receive your report from the doctor
A BIG-registered physician reviews your hormone values and writes a personal report. On your dashboard within a few business days.
Always a location near you
With more than 450+ certified phlebotomy points across the Netherlands.
What We Test
This test includes 7 biomarkers to give you a comprehensive health picture.
Serum iron measures the amount of circulating iron in your blood. Iron is essential for haemoglobin production, oxygen transport, and energy metabolism throughout the body.
Learn moreHaemoglobin (Hb) is the protein in your red blood cells that transports oxygen from your lungs to all tissues and organs. It is the most direct marker for anaemia. A haemoglobin level that is too low means your body receives insufficient oxygen, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and reduced exercise tolerance. The cause ranges from iron deficiency to chronic diseases or blood loss.
Learn moreTransferrin saturation measures the percentage of the iron-transport protein transferrin that is occupied by iron. It is a key indicator of your body's iron status and helps distinguish between different causes of iron-related disorders.
Learn moreVitamin B12 is considered essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency may develop gradually and is sometimes associated with dietary patterns. Healthcare providers can help interpret your results.
Learn moreFerritin is the primary storage protein for iron in your body. It reflects your iron stores more accurately than iron levels themselves, which can fluctuate considerably throughout the day. Low ferritin is the earliest sign of iron deficiency — often measurable before your haemoglobin drops and anaemia develops. High ferritin can indicate iron overload but is also a widely used inflammation marker. Interpretation always depends on the clinical context.
Learn moreTransferrin is the main protein responsible for transporting iron in the blood. It carries iron from the gut and storage sites to cells that need it, including bone marrow for red blood cell production.
Learn moreA complete blood count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates the major components of your blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests and provides a broad overview of your overall health.
Learn moreIron (Serum)
MineralsSerum iron measures the amount of circulating iron in your blood. Iron is essential for haemoglobin production, oxygen transport, and energy metabolism throughout the body.
Iron is vital for producing red blood cells and carrying oxygen. Both low and high levels can affect your health. Serum iron is best interpreted alongside ferritin and TIBC for a complete picture. Consult your healthcare provider.
Hemoglobin
HematologyHaemoglobin (Hb) is the protein in your red blood cells that transports oxygen from your lungs to all tissues and organs. It is the most direct marker for anaemia. A haemoglobin level that is too low means your body receives insufficient oxygen, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and reduced exercise tolerance. The cause ranges from iron deficiency to chronic diseases or blood loss.
Anaemia affects an estimated 8% of the Dutch population and is approximately twice as common in women as in men. It is often underdiagnosed because the symptoms — fatigue, concentration problems, shortness of breath — are non-specific and develop gradually. The most common cause is iron deficiency anaemia, especially in women with heavy menstrual bleeding. But anaemia can also indicate a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, chronic diseases (kidney conditions, autoimmune diseases), gastrointestinal blood loss, or more rarely bone marrow disorders. Too high haemoglobin (polycythaemia) occurs less frequently but is also relevant. It can occur with chronic lung diseases, smoking, dehydration, or the bone marrow disorder polycythaemia vera. High haemoglobin makes the blood thicker and increases the risk of thrombosis.
Transferrin Saturation
MineralsTransferrin saturation measures the percentage of the iron-transport protein transferrin that is occupied by iron. It is a key indicator of your body's iron status and helps distinguish between different causes of iron-related disorders.
Transferrin saturation is one of the most informative markers for assessing iron balance. It can help identify iron deficiency before anemia develops and is also valuable for detecting iron overload conditions such as hemochromatosis.
Vitamin B12
VitaminsVitamin B12 is considered essential for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency may develop gradually and is sometimes associated with dietary patterns. Healthcare providers can help interpret your results.
Vitamin B12 is believed to be vital for healthy nerve cells, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Low levels may be associated with anaemia, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. Early detection through testing may help prevent long-term complications.
Ferritin
MineralsFerritin is the primary storage protein for iron in your body. It reflects your iron stores more accurately than iron levels themselves, which can fluctuate considerably throughout the day. Low ferritin is the earliest sign of iron deficiency — often measurable before your haemoglobin drops and anaemia develops. High ferritin can indicate iron overload but is also a widely used inflammation marker. Interpretation always depends on the clinical context.
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and one of the leading causes of fatigue. Ferritin detects iron deficiency at an early stage, before haemoglobin drops. This makes it a valuable preventive marker. In women of childbearing age, iron deficiency is particularly common due to menstrual blood loss. A ferritin below 30 µg/L with symptoms such as fatigue, concentration problems, or hair loss is often already reason to supplement, even if haemoglobin is still normal. On the other hand, significantly elevated ferritin (above 500 µg/L) can indicate haemochromatosis, a hereditary condition in which the body absorbs too much iron. Untreated, this can lead to liver, heart, and joint damage. Haemochromatosis occurs in 1 in 200 people of European descent and is often discovered late.
Transferrin
MineralsTransferrin is the main protein responsible for transporting iron in the blood. It carries iron from the gut and storage sites to cells that need it, including bone marrow for red blood cell production.
Transferrin levels help determine whether your body is getting enough iron and transporting it effectively. Abnormal levels may indicate iron deficiency, overload, liver disease, or chronic conditions. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
HematologyA complete blood count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates the major components of your blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests and provides a broad overview of your overall health.
The CBC is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare and diagnostic medicine. It can help detect a wide range of conditions including anemia, infections, immune disorders, blood cancers, and clotting problems. Regular CBC testing supports early detection and ongoing health monitoring.
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