Anemia Panel (CBC, Iron, Ferritin, TIBC, B12, Folate)
A comprehensive blood test panel that evaluates multiple markers to help identify different types of anemia and their underlying causes.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
The Anemia Panel combines several complementary blood tests to help identify whether anemia is present, what type it is, and what may be driving it. Anemia develops when the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to deliver adequate oxygen to tissues, and it can stem from a wide range of causes including nutritional deficiencies, chronic illness, bone marrow dysfunction, or accelerated red blood cell destruction.
The panel includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which reports red blood cell number, size, and hemoglobin concentration; iron studies (serum iron, ferritin, and TIBC), which reveal how much iron is available, how much is stored, and how much carrying capacity remains; and vitamin B12 and folate levels, both of which are essential raw materials for red blood cell production. By examining these biomarkers together, healthcare providers can distinguish between iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin-deficiency (megaloblastic) anemia, anemia of chronic disease, and other variants, which matters because each type responds to different treatments.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals experiencing persistent fatigue, weakness, or unusual tiredness that may indicate anemia
- Those with symptoms such as pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat
- People with a family history of anemia or blood disorders
- Individuals following restrictive diets, vegetarian or vegan diets, or those with poor nutritional intake
- Women with heavy menstrual periods or a history of pregnancy-related anemia
- Those with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, inflammatory disorders, or gastrointestinal conditions that may affect nutrient absorption
- Individuals taking medications that may interfere with iron, B12, or folate absorption or metabolism
What to expect
Preparation
Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended. This fasting requirement is primarily for the iron studies portion of the panel, as food intake can affect serum iron levels. Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by a healthcare provider. Avoid iron supplements for 24 hours before testing if possible, as they may temporarily elevate iron levels.
Sample Type
Blood sample collected through a standard venipuncture (blood draw from a vein in the arm)
Collection
A trained phlebotomist will draw blood from a vein, typically in the arm. The process takes just a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort. Multiple tubes may be collected to accommodate all the different tests included in this comprehensive panel.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after the laboratory receives the sample
Understanding your results
The diagnostic power of this panel comes from reading the results as a pattern rather than as isolated numbers. Low ferritin and serum iron paired with an elevated TIBC typically points to iron-deficiency anemia, while low B12 or folate combined with an elevated mean corpuscular volume (MCV, a measure of red blood cell size) suggests megaloblastic anemia. The CBC provides the foundation: hemoglobin and hematocrit reveal the severity of anemia, while red blood cell indices like MCV help categorize it by cell size.
Healthcare providers look at the full constellation of findings alongside symptoms and medical history. For instance, low hemoglobin with small red blood cells and depleted iron stores tells a different clinical story than low hemoglobin with large red blood cells and a B12 deficit, even though both present as anemia.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Males | Hemoglobin: 14-18 g/dL, Hematocrit: 40-54%, Ferritin: 12-300 ng/mL | Males typically have higher hemoglobin and ferritin levels due to less iron loss |
| Adult Females | Hemoglobin: 12-16 g/dL, Hematocrit: 36-48%, Ferritin: 10-150 ng/mL | Females may have lower iron stores due to menstrual blood loss |
| Adults (Both Sexes) | Vitamin B12: 200-800 pg/mL, Folate: 5-25 ng/mL, Iron: 60-170 mcg/dL | These ranges apply to healthy adults regardless of sex |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Iron Deficiency Anemia: This occurs when the body lacks enough iron to produce sufficient red blood cells. Low iron and ferritin levels with an increased TIBC are typical indicators. Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels typically indicate anemia, which may result from iron deficiency, chronic disease, or vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin deficiency, Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for making red blood cells and a deficiency can cause a shortage of healthy cells that carry oxygen through the body. Low ferritin suggests depleted iron stores, which may progress to iron-deficiency anemia if not addressed. Low B12 or folate levels can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by large, immature red blood cells that cannot function properly.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated results in different components may indicate various conditions. Ferritin levels are high with infection, liver disease, inflammation, iron overload, certain amends and certain cancers (leukemia and lymphoma). High hemoglobin or hematocrit levels may suggest dehydration, smoking, living at high altitudes, or rarely, a condition called polycythemia. Elevated B12 levels are generally not concerning and may occur with supplementation, though very high levels could occasionally indicate liver disease or certain blood cancers. High folate levels are typically from supplementation and are usually not problematic.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Your Anemia Panel results are completely confidential and handled with the highest level of privacy protection. Unlike tests ordered through your regular healthcare provider, results from this direct-to-consumer testing are <u>not reported to your doctor</u> unless you choose to share them. The results will <u>not be part of your medical records</u> and will <u>not appear on insurance statements</u> or explanation of benefits (EOB) forms, ensuring your privacy is maintained. We understand that individuals may prefer to investigate potential health concerns privately before involving their healthcare provider. Your test results are securely delivered directly to you through our patient portal, and no information is shared with employers, insurance companies, or other third parties. This confidential testing option allows individuals to take control of their health screening <u>without any impact on their medical record or insurance coverage</u>. All testing is conducted through established, accredited laboratory networks with strict privacy protocols. Your personal health information is protected in accordance with HIPAA regulations, and you maintain complete control over how and when your results are shared with healthcare providers or family members.
Frequently asked questions
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Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 85025, 83540, 82728, 83550, 82607, 82746
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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