Anemia Panel

Anemia Panel includes: It is actually a panel of tests that examines different parts of the blood Includes:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)-This test includes all of the parameters listed for the CBC and also gives a breakdown of the various white cells contained in the blood.
Iron w/TIBC- The serum iron level will measure the iron level in the liquid part of blood. (TIBC) Total Iron Binding Capacity measures the amount of Transferrin, which is a blood protein that transports iron from the gut to cells that use it. Transferrin is made in relationship to body’s need for iron; when the body's iron stores are low, transferrin levels will increase, while transferrin is low when there is too much iron.
Ferritin- Ferritin is composed of iron and protein, and considered a storehouse for iron in the body. Measurement will provide an accurate picture of how much iron available in reserve. It is used for evaluating anemia and to diagnose iron deficiency. Low Ferritin is a sign of iron deficiency. Ferritin levels are high with infection, liver disease, inflammation, iron overload, certain amends and certain cancers (leukemia and lymphoma).
Transferrin - Transferrin blood levels are used to evaluate deficiency and anemia. Transferrin levels are high in iron deficiency, pregnancy, and individuals taking birth control pills. Levels are low in kidney disease, cancer, liver disease, chronic inflammation, hereditary transferrin deficiency, or when there are excessive amounts of iron in the body.
Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 levels help diagnose the causes of anemia and neuropathy (nerve damage), evaluate nutritional status in some, and monitor the effectiveness of B12 deficiency or folate deficiency treatment. B12 and folate are primarily ordered to diagnose the cause of macrocytic anemia.
Folic Acid- Folic acid levels detect folate deficiency and monitor folate defiency therapy. Folic acid levels are ordinarily measured with red cell folates and vitamin B12 levels. Measurement of both red cell folate levels and serum constitutes a reliable means of determining the existence of folate deficiency.
Erythropoietin- It helps to differentiate between different types of anemia and to determine whether the amount of erythropoietin being produced is appropriate for the level of anemia present. It is usually ordered following abnormal findings on a (CBC).
Occasionally, an erythropoietin test may be ordered to help determine if a condition that is causing an excess production of RBCs (polycythemia) is due to an overproduction of erythropoietin.
Reticulocyte count- A measurement of immature RBCs in the blood and an indicator of bone marrow function.