How to Test for Anemia: FAQ Guide

Published March 19, 2025. Last updated January 13, 2026.

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 9.3% of Americans have anemia.¹ Because anemia can be a sign of an underlying condition, testing is crucial for early detection and proper treatment.

This guide covers key information about how to get tested for anemia, including symptoms, risk factors, available tests, and result interpretation.

NOTE: There are several types of anemia caused by varying underlying issues. It is important to review your results with your healthcare provider to determine your specific type of anemia.

What Are Anemia Symptoms and Risks?

Some people with anemia may not experience noticeable symptoms, especially in mild cases. However, as anemia worsens, symptoms can include:

Common Symptoms of Anemia

• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Cold hands or feet or numbness/tingling in hands/feet
• Foggy thinking
• Decrease in/loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Pulsatile tinnitus (ringing or whooshing in the ears in time with the heartbeat)²,³

Who Is at Risk for Anemia?

• Individuals with diets low in iron, folate, or vitamin B12
• People over age 65
• Those with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or liver disease
• Individuals with autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease or thyroid disease⁴
• Those who do not consume red meat

What Types of Anemia Tests Are Available?

Blood tests are the primary method for diagnosing anemia. Quest offers two tiers of anemia test panels, both of which include:  

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets

• Measures red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and other essential markers
• Helps determine the presence and severity of anemia

Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), and Ferritin

• Assesses iron levels and how well your blood binds to iron
• Helps determine if anemia is due to iron deficiency

Vitamin B12 and Folate Tests

• Evaluates levels of essential vitamins needed for red blood cell production

Reticulocyte Count

• Measures immature red blood cells to assess bone marrow function

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)/Creatinine Ratio

• Evaluates kidney function, which can contribute to anemia

Quest's Anemia Test Panel - Expanded, additionally includes:

Transferrin

• Transports iron throughout the body. 
• Useful in determining iron balance, because the amount of transferrin in the blood correlates to the amount of iron in the body

C-reactive protein (CRP)

• A protein made by the liver in response to inflammation or infection
• Higher levels of CRP are often found in people with anemia

Erythropoietin

• A hormone made by the kidneys to help the body make the proper amount of red blood cells
• Higher levels are often seen in people with anemia

Bilirubin

• A waste product made when red blood cells die and break down
• Higher levels of bilirubin can mean that your body has a disorder resulting in destruction of red blood cells.

Haptoglobin

• A protein that gets rid of waste produced by damaged red blood cells
• Lower levels may be a sign that red blood cells are being destroyed, which can occur in certain conditions.

How Should You Prepare for an Anemia Test?

• Fasting Required: Avoid eating or drinking (except water) for 8 to 12 hours before the test
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water to ensure a smooth blood draw
• Inform Your Doctor: Certain medications may affect results, so discuss any prescriptions with your healthcare provider

How to Interpret Anemia Test Results

Your test results may not always be straightforward. You should work with your healthcare provider to interpret your individual results in combination with your health history.  

• Low Hemoglobin & Red Blood Cell Count: May indicate anemia
• Low Iron or Ferritin Levels: Suggest iron-deficiency anemia
• Abnormal Vitamin B12 or Folate Levels: May point to vitamin-deficiency anemia

Additionally, in the Expanded panel:

• Low Transferrin or high CRP: Often associated with anemia linked to chronic disease, not generally classic iron-deficiency anemia
• High Erythropoietin, High Bilirubin, or Low Haptoglobin: May indicate hemolytic anemia

If your results suggest anemia, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing or treatment options, such as iron supplements, vitamin therapy, or additional diagnostic tests.

Why Choose Quest for Anemia Testing?

Quest offers fast and reliable anemia testing with several key benefits:

• No doctor’s visit required—order online and visit a Quest location for sample collection
• Comprehensive testing options to help identify the cause of anemia
• Independent healthcare provider consultations available at no extra cost for abnormal results

Buy Your Anemia Test Today

No doctor visit is required to buy your own lab test at questhealth.com. PWNHealth and its affiliates review your purchase to ensure it is medically appropriate before submitting the test order for processing. PWNHealth also reviews your test results and will contact you directly if they require prompt attention. Included in each purchase is the ability to discuss your test results with an independent healthcare provider; however, you are also encouraged to speak with your primary healthcare provider.