Anemia Test

In the Netherlands, approximately 12.5% of the population has anemia. Worldwide this percentage is almost 25% (WHO Global Database on Anemia, 2008). Since anemia is highly common, it is important to test for it regularly.

Most people are at risk of developing anemia due to poor diet, intestinal disorders, chronic illnesses, infections, and other conditions. Women who are menstruating or pregnant and those with chronic conditions are most at risk of this disease. The risk of anemia increases with age.

If you have any of the following chronic conditions, you may be at even greater risk of developing anemia:

• Rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disease
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Liver disease
• Thyroid disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

The signs and symptoms of anemia can easily be overlooked. In fact, many people don’t even realize they have anemia until it is diagnosed with a blood test.

One risk group for anemia is people who are vegetarian or vegan. We have specially developed the Vegan and Vegetarian Blood test for this group of people.

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Other causes can be a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Anemia can also be caused by other diseases, or occur due to hereditary genetic mutations. Stress can also be a cause of anemia, according to researchers (Wei, Zhou, Huang & Li, 2008). 

No, ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. The amount of ferritin in your blood says something about the amount of iron in your body, but does not cause anemia. However, a ferritin deficiency can indicate you have too little iron in your body. Iron deficiency is one of the causes of anemia.

No, iron deficiency is one of the causes of anemia. It is the most common cause of this condition.

Homed-IQ’s self-sampling tests are scientifically certified and validated for home use. The tests have been approved by our lab to determine whether the results of samples taken at home are as accurate as samples taken in a testing station or doctor’s office. It is only legal to sell validated medical tests.

Each sample is processed in a laboratory that is ISO15189 certified, which allows us to guarantee the reliability of the tests.

Anemia cannot always be prevented, but a healthy and varied diet does reduce the risk of anemia. This is especially important when you:

• Are pregnant
• Are vegan or vegetarian
• Have a long-term (chronic) illness
• Lose a lot of blood during your period

Foods that are high in iron include:

• Red meat
• Iron-fortified bread
• Certain types of fish such as mackerel, sardines, tuna, and crab
• Legumes, such as beans or lentils
• Nuts
• Dried fruits, especially apricots and figs
• Vegetables (especially dark green leafy vegetables) such as endives, spinach, broccoli or zucchini, artichoke, and concentrated tomato products

If not treated, chronic anemia can lead to many health problems such as:

• Extreme fatigue
• Complications During Pregnancy
• Heart problems

The biggest advantage of this anemia laboratory test is that you can easily take the test yourself at home, without the need for a visit to your doctor or a testing center. You will receive the test result within a few days.

Homed-IQ offers a range of home testing solutions for different health conditions, vitamins, and minerals. Click here to see our full test portfolio.

We currently do not have any agreements with health insurers. At Homed-IQ we therefore keep our tests as affordable as possible to give everyone the opportunity to get a better understanding of their health.

Yes. Most rapid tests are not reliable because your sample will not be examined by a laboratory. With Homed-IQ’s Anemia Test, your sample is examined by the same laboratory that most hospitals and general practitioners work with, and use exactly the same testing method. We can therefore give you a definitive answer whether you have anemia or not.