Anemia
Anemia workup: hemoglobin, iron, transferrin, CBC, and B12.
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Biomarkers Included
7 biomarkersThis blood test measures a focused set of markers associated with red blood cell production and iron metabolism. It may help identify patterns that could point toward anemia or related nutrient imbalances.
Why this test?
Anemia can develop gradually, and early changes in blood values may go unnoticed for a long time. This panel measures hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation, a complete blood count, and vitamin B12, giving you a data-driven snapshot of your red blood cell health and iron status.
Who is this test for?
This test may be relevant for:
- Men experiencing persistent fatigue or reduced exercise performance
- Those with a diet that may be low in iron or B12
- Men who want baseline data on their iron stores and blood cell values
- Anyone curious about unexplained shortness of breath or pale skin
What is tested?
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): a broad overview of red and white blood cells and platelets
- Ferritin (ug/l): reflects the body's iron storage levels
- Hemoglobin (mmol/l): the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
- Iron Serum (umol/l): the amount of iron circulating in your blood
- Transferrin (g/L): the protein responsible for transporting iron
- Transferrin Saturation (%): the percentage of transferrin that is loaded with iron
- Vitamin B12 (pmol/l, ref: 145-569): a vitamin involved in red blood cell formation
What can this test tell you?
Individually, each marker tells part of the story. Together, they may reveal a more complete picture. For example, low ferritin combined with low hemoglobin could suggest iron-deficiency anemia, while normal iron but low B12 might point in a different direction. Transferrin saturation can help distinguish between different types of iron imbalance. By looking at these markers as a group, you get context that a single test alone cannot provide.
How is the sample collected?
A blood sample is drawn at a certified sample point (afnamepunt). There are over 750 locations throughout the Netherlands. The procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
When is this test useful?
This test may be useful when you notice ongoing tiredness, difficulty concentrating, reduced stamina during workouts, or when you simply want to rule out anemia as a factor. It can also be relevant after dietary changes or periods of intense physical training.
What do the results mean?
Your results will show whether each marker falls within, above, or below the reference range. Values outside the expected range may suggest an imbalance worth exploring further. For instance, low hemoglobin combined with low iron and ferritin could be associated with iron-deficiency anemia. However, results should always be reviewed in context with a healthcare provider who can account for your full medical history.
Preparation
Fasting is recommended before this test. Avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours prior to your blood draw.
What happens after the results?
Your results are typically available within a few business days. You will receive a clear report showing each marker and its reference range. Consider reviewing your results with a healthcare provider for personalized interpretation and context.
From order to report in 4 steps
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Choose your blood 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 assesses your results and writes a personal report. On your dashboard within a few business days.
Choose your blood test
Pick a testosterone check, hormone panel, or prostate screening. Or build a custom test with exactly the markers you want.
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 assesses your results 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 panel includes 7 biomarkers, each tested at a certified laboratory using medical-grade equipment.
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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