CBC (Complete Blood Count):

• Who should get this test: Patients experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or unexplained weight loss, those undergoing routine health check-ups, individuals with known blood disorders, or those on medications affecting blood cells.

• What's included in the test:

• • White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

  • Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct)

  • Platelet Count

  • Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

  • Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

• Why someone would check this test: To screen for or diagnose blood disorders (e.g., anemia, infections, leukemia), monitor treatment effects (e.g., chemotherapy, blood transfusions), assess overall health, or evaluate medication responses.

Ferritin Blood Test:

• Who should get this test: Patients with symptoms of iron deficiency or iron overload such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or abdominal pain, individuals with risk factors for iron deficiency or overload like heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, or a history of iron disorders, or those with certain chronic diseases like inflammatory conditions or liver disease.

• What's included in the test: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body, so the ferritin blood test measures the levels of ferritin in the blood. High levels may indicate iron overload, while low levels may suggest iron deficiency.

• Why someone would check this test: To diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload, monitor treatment for iron disorders, investigate symptoms of fatigue or weakness, evaluate abnormal levels of other blood tests like hemoglobin or hematocrit, or assess the underlying cause of certain medical conditions such as anemia or liver disease.

Iron/TIBC Blood Test (Total Iron Binding Capacity):

• Who should get this test: Patients with symptoms of iron deficiency or iron overload such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or abdominal pain, individuals with risk factors for iron deficiency or overload like heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, or a history of iron disorders, or those with certain chronic diseases like inflammatory conditions or liver disease.

• What's included in the test: The Iron/TIBC test measures several parameters related to iron levels in the blood, including serum iron levels and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). TIBC measures the blood's capacity to bind iron, while serum iron measures the amount of iron circulating in the blood.

• Why someone would check this test: To diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload, monitor treatment for iron disorders, investigate symptoms of fatigue or weakness, evaluate abnormal levels of other blood tests like ferritin or hemoglobin, or assess the underlying cause of certain medical conditions such as anemia or liver disease.

Vitamin B12 Blood Test:

• Who should get this test: Patients with symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency such as fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, memory problems, or mood changes, individuals with risk factors for deficiency like strict vegetarian or vegan diets, older adults, or those with gastrointestinal disorders that affect nutrient absorption.

• What's included in the test: The Vitamin B12 test measures the levels of vitamin B12 in the blood, which is essential for red blood cell production, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Low levels of vitamin B12 can indicate a deficiency, while high levels may suggest an excess or certain medical conditions.

• Why someone would check this test: To diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency or excess, monitor treatment for deficiency, investigate symptoms of fatigue or neurological problems, evaluate abnormal levels of other blood tests like complete blood count (CBC) or methylmalonic acid (MMA), or assess the underlying cause of certain medical conditions such as anemia, neuropathy, or gastrointestinal disorders.

Folate Blood Test:

• Who should get this test: Patients with symptoms of folate deficiency such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irritability, or mouth sores, individuals with risk factors for deficiency like poor dietary intake, alcoholism, malabsorption disorders, or certain medications that interfere with folate absorption or metabolism.

• What's included in the test: The Folate test measures the levels of folate in the blood, which is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and cell division. Low levels of folate can indicate a deficiency, while high levels may suggest an excess or certain medical conditions.

• Why someone would check this test: To diagnose folate deficiency or excess, monitor treatment for deficiency, investigate symptoms of fatigue or anemia, evaluate abnormal levels of other blood tests like complete blood count (CBC) or vitamin B12, or assess the underlying cause of certain medical conditions such as megaloblastic anemia, neuropathy, or gastrointestinal disorders.