Our iron deficiency anaemia blood test will provide a thorough check on your blood to understand whether you may be suffering from anaemia to help you manage your health and diet better.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as tiredness and lack of energy, pale skin, heart palpitations or shortness of breath, you may have anaemia and our Anaemia blood test may benefit you.
Sample taken at home with a test kit: We’ll send you a complete kit to collect a sample at home.
Our anaemia blood test will check your blood to identify the level of iron you have in your blood and your vitamin B12 level.
Our test includes checks on your levels of iron, your blood’s ability to attach itself to iron and transport it around the body, and your Vitamin B12 levels.
Checking your vitamin B12 is important when looking at your risk of anaemia.
This is because a lack of it can cause Folate Anaemia, a type of anaemia which causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as tiredness and fatigue, pale skin, heart palpitations, headaches or shortness of breath, you may have anaemia and this test will help you identify whether that is the case.
What’s included?
Vitamin B12
1 bio marker
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Iron
3 bio markers
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Blood Cells
1 bio marker
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Biomarkers included
Vitamin B12
We check for 1 Vitamin B12 marker:
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is used for the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells and DNA, and also plays a role in the nervous system maintenance.
Usually obtained from our diet, a deficiency can lead to anaemia, and symptoms such as lethargy, heart palpitations, nerve problems such as tingling and constipation.
Biomarkers included
Iron
We check for 3 Iron markers:
Iron
Total Iron Binding Concentration
Transferrin
Iron is used in the body to create new blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.
Low levels of iron can lead to fatigue and reduced energy levels, along with pale skin, weak hair and nails and chest pain or heart flutters.
Too much iron can lead to iron-overload, or hemochromatosis, which can also lead to fatigue and chest pains, as well as joint pain, stomach pain and unexplained weight loss.
We will check your iron levels and your body’s ability to efficiently transport iron via your blood.
Biomarkers included
Blood Cells
We check for 1 Blood Cells marker:
Full Blood Count (with 5 part White Cell Differential)
Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen around your body and are continuously being created within your bone marrow to replace cells lost through bleeding or cell aging.
Some conditions within the body can lead to excess cells being created, or too few. Too many red blood cells can lead to problems such as blurry or impaired vision, headaches and migraines or an enlarged spleen. Too few, and you could experience anaemia, fatigue, dizziness and heart palpitations.
White blood cells in your body are integral for fighting against infections and protecting you from harmful germs or bacteria entering your system.
There are 5 different types of white blood cells, all of which are created within the stem cells of your bone marrow, and all of which perform a different function within your immune system to identify and protect you from microbes, parasites and bacteria.
Our test will check your red and white blood cells to ensure you have the right levels in your body and identify any issues with the health of your blood.
How it works
You can complete a Goodbody blood test one of three ways. Each way has 3 simple steps. Click below to find out more.
We’ll deliver your test kit to your door if you need to take one to your appointment. Some of our clinics carry stock of our kits, in which case, you can just attend your appointment.
If your kit was delivered to your home remember to bring it with you. Your blood will be taken by one of our trained phlebotomists. You must then post your sample.
We’ll deliver your results via email within 5 days of receipt of your sample at our laboratory. Analyse these yourself or book a follow-up with one of our GP’s to discuss.
Select clinic & book appointment
Attend your appointment
Get your results
Arrange your in-clinic Cholesterol or Diabetes test appointment at your nearest available location.
A trained clinician will take a small sample of blood from your finger using a lancet, and test your sample using our innovative in-clinic analysers.
Your results will be given to you during your appointment – the fastest way to understand and improve your health!
Order your test for home delivery
Take a small blood sample at home
Get your results via email
Choose and pay for your test kit, it will be delivered to your address within 3-5 working days.
When your kit arrives, follow the instructions to take a small blood sample from your finger tip and post it to the laboratory.
We’ll deliver your results via email within 5 days of receipt of your sample at our laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Placing an order
Which test should I choose?
You should choose the test that is right for your needs, symptoms and health concerns. Details of the health biomarkers included in each test can be found on the test pages on our website. If you want an all-round health test, we recommend the Well Woman or Well Man tests which provide the widest range of biomarkers and the best value to check numerous areas of your health.
I’ve just paid, can I change my order?
If you need to make any changes to your order or your booking, please contact us and we will see what we can do to help you. Be aware that if you need to cancel your test, you may be charged a cancellation fee.
Can I order a test for someone else?
Yes – please add their details when making your booking, and then your details at the checkout if you need to. Please be aware that our tests are only for customers aged 18 or over.
How often should I take a test?
We believe it’s most effective to monitor your health regularly over time. So we recommend taking your test every three months. This is the amount of time it typically takes to see the impact of health and lifestyle changes.
Completing a Home Test
How do I take my sample?
All of the instructions and helpful tips are included in the test kit. Please take the time to read the instructions thoroughly before you take your sample. Please aim to fill the tube to the upper line if possible. If you have any problems, please contact us and our helpful team will aim to assist you.
When should I take my sample?
We recommend taking your sample first thing in the morning, from Monday to Thursday, and posting your sample as soon as possible after it’s collected. If you take the test the day, it’s best to post the sample before the last post collection of the day. Please note if you’re taking a testosterone test — it’s important to collect the sample first thing in the morning around 9am, before eating.
Are there any top tips for taking my blood sample?
recommend giving yourself 30 minutes to complete your sample, and doing so from Monday to Thursday. Drink plenty of water for 24 hours before taking your sample to ensure you are well hydrated. Have a warm shower, bath or hold your hand in warm water for at least 5 minutes before taking your test to help blood flow. Make sure your hands are warm and clean. Do some light exercise beforehand too, jumping jacks, brisk walking or jogging on the spot can help increase blood flow. Stand up for the whole process with your arm below your heart – gravity will help the blood flow to your finger. Gently massage your hand in a downwards motion, from just below your wrist to just above the prick on your finger. Do not squeeze too hard as this can damage the blood cells and we won’t be able to analyse your sample. >
What if my kit needs other samples, such as urine?
If your test requires other samples, such as blood and urine or saliva, please follow the instructions within the kit to collect the required samples correctly. If you have any problems, please contact our helpful team.
I’m having difficulty obtaining enough blood.
Please aim to fill the tube to the upper line if possible. The tips below might help you collect your sample. If you have used all of your lancets and have not managed to fill the sample tube to at least the halfway mark, please let us know as other forms of testing may be more suitable for you. Here are some tips to help:
Drink a glass of water. Being well hydrated will make it easier to collect your sample.
Shower before you take your test or run your hands under warm water for a few minutes, as heat improves blood flow.
Do some light exercise (move around, go for a walk, etc.) to get the blood flowing.
Make sure your arm is below your heart level – let gravity do some of the work.
Nails that are too long can make it difficult to collect a sample.
After your test
When do I get my results?
If you have completed a test and the sample has been sent to the laboratory for analysis, you should receive your results within 5 days of it arriving at the laboratory. For an in-clinic rapid test to check Cholesterol or Diabetes, you will receive your results from the clinician your appointment.
My blood was haemolysed - what does that mean?
A haemolysed test result or ‘haemolysis’ can happen when the red blood cells in the sample burst.
How are my results sent to me?
Your results will be sent to you via email, using the email address you provide. For rapid Cholesterol and Diabetes test, which are completed and analysed in-clinic, your results will be given to you on a results card at the end of the appointment.
How do I book a follow up GP consultation?
You can find out more about our online GP Consultation Service here. Appointments are available at your convenience, from 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year.