What this test measures
Lab composition varies — most "anaemia profile mini" panels include: CBC (Hb, MCV, MCH, RDW, RBC count), peripheral blood smear (RBC morphology), reticulocyte count (production response), serum ferritin (iron stores), serum vitamin B12, and serum folate. Together they identify the commonest causes — iron deficiency (microcytic, low ferritin), megaloblastic (macrocytic, low B12 / folate), anaemia of chronic disease, mixed deficiencies.
Why it matters
Anaemia is the most common nutritional disorder in India — NFHS-5 (2019-21) reports anaemia in 67% of children, 57% of women aged 15-49, and 25% of men. Causes: iron deficiency (most common, ~60% of cases), B12 deficiency (vegetarian / vegan diets, malabsorption), folate insufficiency, anaemia of chronic disease (CKD, inflammation), thalassemia minor (high carrier rate in some communities), G6PD deficiency, sickle cell disease (in select communities). A "mini" panel is the cost-effective first-pass workup.
How to prepare
Fast 8 hours preferred (iron studies fluctuate diurnally). Disclose any iron / B12 / folate supplements (stop 48 hours before for accurate baseline). Note recent blood loss, menstrual cycle stage (women), pregnancy, vegetarian diet, chronic illness.
Markers & reference ranges
Reference ranges below are typical adult values. Your lab's reported range may differ slightly based on the assay platform and patient demographics — always read your report against the range printed on it.
| Marker | Normal range | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (g/dL)[1] | Men 13–17, Women 12–15, Pregnant 11–14 | Low Hb = anaemia. Severity: mild 10–12 (women) / 10–13 (men); moderate 7–10; severe < 7. | High Hb = polycythaemia (real or apparent — dehydration, smoking, OSA, polycythaemia vera). |
| MCV (Mean Cell Volume) (fL) | 80 – 100 | Microcytic (< 80) — iron deficiency, thalassemia, lead poisoning, anaemia of chronic disease. | Macrocytic (> 100) — B12 / folate deficiency, hypothyroidism, alcohol, liver disease, MDS. |
| Ferritin (ng/mL) | Men 30–400, Women 15–200 | < 15 (women) / < 30 (men) — iron deficiency confirmed. | High — iron overload (haemochromatosis), inflammation (acute phase), liver disease. |
| Vitamin B12 (pg/mL) | 200 – 900 | < 200 — B12 deficiency. < 150 — clearly deficient; supplement (oral 1500 µg/day or IM 1000 µg). | > 900 — over-supplementation, recent injection, rarely myeloproliferative disease, liver disease. |
| Folate (ng/mL) | > 4 (adequate) | < 4 — folate deficiency; supplement with 5 mg/day folate; investigate cause (diet, alcohol, malabsorption). | > 20 — recent supplementation; otherwise non-specific. |
Anaemia type by MCV + iron / B12 / folate
| MCV | Ferritin | B12 / Folate | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 80 (low) | Low (< 30) | Normal | Iron deficiency anaemia |
| < 80 | Normal | Normal | Thalassemia trait (do Hb electrophoresis) |
| 80 – 100 | Normal / high | Normal | Anaemia of chronic disease |
| > 100 | Normal | Low B12 / folate | Megaloblastic anaemia |
| Normal | Normal | Normal | Mixed / blood loss / chronic disease |
Frequently asked questions
Why a "mini" panel and not full?
Mini panels (~5 tests) catch ~80% of common Indian anaemias at lower cost than full workups. If results are unclear or specific concerns arise, extended workup (LDH, haptoglobin, retic count, Hb electrophoresis, JAK2) follows.
Should I take iron before the test?
No — stop iron supplements 48 hours before for accurate baseline ferritin. If you're actively treated, the result will reflect the response, not the original deficiency.
My ferritin is high but I'm anaemic — what does that mean?
Ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant — it rises in inflammation (anaemia of chronic disease, liver disease, infections) regardless of iron status. If ferritin is high (> 100) but iron deficiency is suspected, transferrin saturation or soluble transferrin receptor clarifies.
Why is B12 deficiency common in India?
B12 comes from animal sources almost exclusively. Vegetarian (no fish / meat / eggs / dairy) and vegan diets put people at risk. Indian dairy intake protects somewhat but supplementation is needed for strict vegetarians.
What is reticulocyte count for?
Reticulocytes are immature red cells — measures the marrow's response to anaemia. Low retic = marrow problem (nutritional deficiency, marrow failure, CKD). High retic = response to blood loss or haemolysis.
Should pregnant women get this panel?
Yes — pregnancy needs both iron and folate. Iron deficiency complicates 50% of Indian pregnancies and increases risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal morbidity.
Related Autoimmune / Rheumatology tests
Tests commonly ordered alongside Anaemia Profile Mini, or that help interpret an unexpected result.
Sources & references
- WHO — Anaemia Estimates · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- ICMR — Anaemia in India · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- BSH — Iron Deficiency Anaemia · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- ASH — Anaemia Workup · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
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