Lab Tests for Anemia
Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't carry enough oxygen to your tissues, causing fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. It affects over 3 million Americans and has many possible causes, including iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic disease, and blood loss. Lab testing is essential to diagnose anemia, determine its type, and identify the underlying cause so you can get the right treatment. When B12 is low, intrinsic factor and parietal cell antibody tests can help a clinician check for pernicious anemia, an autoimmune cause of B12 deficiency. With JustLabs, you can order a complete anemia workup online at transparent self-pay prices, no doctor visit or insurance required.
Recommended Tests
Includes 5 of the 7 recommended tests below (not included: Intrinsic Factor Ab, Parietal Cell Antibody).
$92 + $18 order fee · $110 all-in
The 3 tests ordered separately: $99 (save $7)
Includes 2 of the 7 recommended tests below (not included: CBC w/ Diff, Ferritin, Iron & TIBC, B12, Folate), plus 1 more.
Includes 3 of the 7 recommended tests below (not included: Ferritin, Iron & TIBC, Intrinsic Factor Ab, Parietal Cell Antibody), plus 2 more.
Iron & TIBC
$9
Comprehensive iron panel including serum iron, TIBC, and saturation percentage.
All 7 recommended tests
$120 + one $18 order fee = $138 all-in
Understanding Your Results
| Test | Normal Range | Low Means | High Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin (CBC) | M: 13.5–17.5 g/dL; F: 12–16 g/dL | Anemia confirmed | Polycythemia or dehydration |
| Ferritin | 16–232 ng/mL women, 38–380 men | Iron stores depleted | Inflammation, iron overload, or liver disease |
| Iron & TIBC | Iron: 60–170 mcg/dL | Iron deficiency | Iron overload possible |
| Vitamin B12 | 200–900 pg/mL | B12 deficiency (megaloblastic anemia) | Typically benign |
| Folate | >3.0 ng/mL | Folate deficiency anemia | Typically from supplementation |
| Intrinsic Factor Ab | Negative | Negative — does not rule out pernicious anemia (only about half have it) | Positive — highly specific; with low B12, strongly supports pernicious anemia |
| Parietal Cell Ab | Negative | Autoimmune gastritis less likely | Found in about 80% of pernicious anemia, but also in up to 10% of healthy people |
How to Order
Order Online
Select your tests and pay securely. A licensed physician authorizes your order.
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Get Results
Results available in your account within 1-2 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.