Collection: Blood Deficiency & Anaemia Blood Tests

Iron deficiency is the depletion of iron stores measured by ferritin without yet affecting red blood cell production. Iron deficiency anaemia is more advanced, where iron stores are so depleted that haemoglobin production is impaired. Both cause fatigue but anaemia produces more severe symptoms.

A full blood count is the starting point, measuring haemoglobin, red blood cell count, MCV, MCH, and MCHC. Iron studies including ferritin and transferrin saturation identify iron deficiency. Vitamin B12 and folate should also be tested, as deficiencies cause a distinct form of anaemia.

Yes, this is very common particularly in women. Low ferritin with normal haemoglobin is called iron deficiency without anaemia and still causes fatigue, brain fog, reduced exercise tolerance, and hair loss. Ferritin should always be tested alongside haemoglobin.

With oral iron supplementation, ferritin levels typically begin to rise within 4 to 6 weeks, but full repletion of stores can take 3 to 6 months. A follow-up blood test at 3 months is recommended to confirm response and guide ongoing supplementation.