General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Haemoglobin helps identify anaemia; ferritin provides information about iron stores. These two measurements answer different questions and are interpreted in their medical context.
Persistent fatigue, pallor or breathlessness can accompany anaemia and warrant medical advice. Mild anaemia can also cause few symptoms or none at all.
The complete blood count, or CBC, provides further information about red blood cells. Anaemia has several possible causes, including deficiencies, inflammation and certain genetic conditions.
Ferritin helps investigate iron deficiency. During inflammation, it can remain normal or rise without accurately reflecting iron stores; the doctor takes this limitation into account.
Confirmed iron deficiency leads to investigation of its cause: insufficient dietary intake, visible or hidden blood loss, or poor absorption. Prepare the facts about your diet and any bleeding you have noticed.
Bring dated blood-test reports and describe your symptoms. Ask what has been established — anaemia, iron deficiency or a cause — and which further tests are useful in your circumstances.
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