Anaemia profile
At the Harley Street Health Centre our unique full blood profile highlights signs of anaemia, a potentially problematic condition. Healthy blood is critical, which is why we offer this comprehensive test designed to recognise the different forms of anaemia.
Red blood cells contain haemoglobin which carries oxygen around the body. Anaemia is a disruption of this, and can be the result of two separate issues:
1. Fewer blood cells than normal
2. Less haemoglobin than normal in each red blood cell
Symptoms of Anaemia
• Common
• Tiredness
• Lethargy
• Feeling faint
• Breathlessness
• Pallor (pale complexion)
• Less common
• Headaches
• Palpitations
• Altered taste
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Causes of Anaemia
• Iron deficiency
• Most common, caused by:
• Pregnancy
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Child growth spurts
• Poor absorption of iron
• Bleeding from the gut
• Poor diet
• Lack of certain vitamins
• Bone marrow problems
• Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and kidney failure
The Anaemia Test
• Measures the amount of haemoglobin in the blood
• Measures the red blood cell count
• Identifies whether you are anaemic, not the cause of the anaemia
Treatment for Anaemia
• The cause may not be clear so further tests may be advised
• The treatment for anaemia depends on the underlying cause
• For some this will be iron tablets
• For others it may be a course of vitamins or other more complex treatments