Anaemia Explained
Written by the Veritas Pharmacy clinical team · 113 Chester Road, Sunderland · GPhC Registered 9012617
Anaemia is one of the most common reasons people feel persistently tired, but it is not one single thing, it has several different causes, each needing a slightly different blood test to identify. This guide explains what anaemia actually is, the symptoms to look out for, and how our panel checks for the different types.
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“My blood test showed I am anaemic, but nobody explained why.”
A common and frustrating experience. Anaemia is a description of what your blood shows, not a single cause on its own, understanding which type you have is what actually points toward the reason behind it.
Anaemia means your blood has fewer healthy red blood cells, or less haemoglobin, than it should, which reduces how well oxygen is carried around your body. It has several possible causes, and identifying which one applies to you is what actually guides what happens next, rather than the label “anaemia” alone.
General guidance on the diagnosis and classification of anaemia.What is anaemia?
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body using a protein called haemoglobin. Anaemia happens when you do not have enough healthy red blood cells, or enough haemoglobin, to do this efficiently. This can happen for several different reasons, which is why a blood test looks at more than one marker at once, rather than relying on a single number.
Symptoms to look out for
These symptoms can build up gradually, which means many people adjust to feeling this way without realising something treatable might be behind it.
Anaemia is always caused by low iron.
Iron deficiency is the most common cause, but low vitamin B12 or folate can also cause anaemia, and each needs a different approach. This is why our panel checks all three alongside a full blood count.
Feeling persistently tired or run down?
A blood test can help find out why, with same-week appointments and no general practitioner referral needed.
Common causes
Iron deficiency
The most common cause, often linked to diet, blood loss, or increased needs.
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
Affects how red blood cells are made, with its own distinct pattern on testing.
Chronic health conditions
Some long-term conditions can affect red blood cell production over time.
Blood loss
Including heavy periods, which can gradually deplete iron stores.
What the panel checks
Our Anaemia Profile brings together a full blood count, iron studies, vitamin B12, and folate, so your clinician can see the full picture in one appointment rather than testing one marker at a time.
Different types of anaemia can look similar in terms of how they make you feel, but they show up quite differently on a blood test. This is exactly why testing several markers together gives a much clearer answer than a single isolated test.
What happens at your appointment?
A conversation about your symptoms, diet, and general health history.
A straightforward blood sample, in the same gentle way as any other blood test.
Your clinician talks you through your results clearly, and what they suggest.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is usually needed. Your clinician will confirm this when you book.
What if my result shows more than one cause?
This happens sometimes. Your clinician will explain your full picture and advise on sensible next steps.
Is anaemia serious?
Most anaemia is straightforward to identify and manage once the cause is understood. Your clinician can advise on the right next steps for your specific result.
When should you seek medical advice?
Investigating ongoing tiredness or suspected anaemia is usually a routine matter. The following is a general guide to how urgently to act.
- Gradual tiredness or paleness without other concerning symptoms
- Wanting to understand a previous blood test result
- Heavy or prolonged periods alongside tiredness
- Symptoms that are gradually getting worse
- Chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting
- Very rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Blood in your stool, or unexplained, significant blood loss
These symptoms need assessment by a general practitioner, NHS 111, or an Accident and Emergency department, rather than a routine blood test appointment.
How Veritas Pharmacy can help
Our Anaemia Profile costs £99, plus a £35 phlebotomy fee for taking your blood sample. No general practitioner referral is needed.
Anaemia Profile
Full blood count, iron studies, B12, and folate together.
Private pharmacist consultation
Talk through your symptoms before booking.
- Anaemia describes what your blood shows, it has several different possible causes.
- Iron, B12, and folate deficiency are the most common, and each needs a different approach.
- Our panel checks all of these together, alongside a full blood count.
- Severe symptoms such as chest pain or a very rapid heartbeat need urgent assessment, not a routine appointment.
Related reading
What is ferritin, and why does it matter?
Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency
Always tired? Blood tests that could find the cause
Ready to find out more?
Book the Anaemia Profile directly, or speak to us first if you would like to talk through your symptoms.
Free pharmacist consultation. GPhC registered. No pressure to book.
The information in this post is for general information purposes. It is not intended to replace medical advice from a healthcare professional. We make an effort to keep the content on this page up to date and accurate.
anaemia, blood tests, health hub, iron deficiency, Sunderland Pharmacy, Veritas Pharmacy