Which Tests to Get for Suspected Anaemia
Tests worth discussing with your doctor
Complete blood count (CBC) — shows haemoglobin, red blood cell count and haematocrit, the core markers that indicate whether there are signs of anaemia at all
Haemoglobin — the main figure used to decide whether anaemia is present and how pronounced it is
Source: MedlinePlus – Hemoglobin Test
Ferritin — shows how much iron the body has stored; low ferritin often points to iron-deficiency anaemia
Iron — tested together with ferritin to help distinguish iron-deficiency anaemia from other types and to check whether the blood iron level is too low
Source: MedlinePlus – Iron Tests
Folate (folic acid) — like B12 deficiency, a folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, so folate is often tested together with vitamin B12 when looking for the cause of anaemia
Source: MedlinePlus – Folic Acid Test
Homocysteine — an elevated level can indicate a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, which can also cause anaemia even when iron levels are normal
Source: MedlinePlus – Homocysteine Test
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Complete Blood Count (CBC) — 2026-09-06
- MedlinePlus – Hemoglobin Test — 2026-09-06
- MedlinePlus – Ferritin Blood Test — 2026-09-06
- MedlinePlus – Iron Tests — 2026-09-06
- MedlinePlus – Vitamin B12 level — 2026-09-06
- MedlinePlus – Folic Acid Test — 2026-09-06
- MedlinePlus – Homocysteine Test — 2026-09-06
Why anaemia is tested
Anaemia means the body isn't making enough healthy red blood cells, or the red blood cells don't carry enough haemoglobin, so tissues don't get enough oxygen. The typical signs — fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, brittle nails or hair loss — usually develop gradually, so the body adapts to them over time and the symptoms are often noticed late. A complete blood count shows whether haemoglobin, red blood cell count or haematocrit fall outside the usual range, but this test alone doesn't explain why.
What the results won't tell you on their own
Ferritin and iron help work out whether the cause is iron deficiency — the most common form of anaemia, especially in women, teenagers and people who exercise heavily. Vitamin B12 and folate tests show whether a lack of these vitamins is behind the anaemia — it can cause anaemia with enlarged red blood cells (megaloblastic anaemia), so the two tests are often done together. Homocysteine can be a supplementary test when iron levels are normal but symptoms persist, since a raised level can also point to a B12 or folate deficiency. It's worth remembering that none of these tests fully reveal the underlying cause of anaemia — whether it's bleeding, a chronic condition or a dietary shortfall — that needs a doctor's assessment and, sometimes, further testing.
When not to wait
- You notice signs of bleeding — black or bloody stools, unusually heavy menstrual periods
- You have dizziness with fainting or loss of consciousness
- Signs of anaemia appear during pregnancy
When to seek care immediately
- You feel severe shortness of breath or chest pain even at rest
This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
›Which tests should I get if anaemia is suspected?
It usually starts with a complete blood count including haemoglobin, followed, depending on the suspected cause, by ferritin and iron, vitamin B12 and folate, and sometimes homocysteine.
›Are these tests free in Lithuania?
It depends on the situation and your family doctor's (GP's) decision — the family doctor is the primary-care physician who coordinates referrals within Lithuania's compulsory health insurance system, so it's worth asking your clinic about payment for your specific case.
›Which doctor should I see?
Start with your family doctor (GP) — the primary-care physician in Lithuania's health system — who will assess your symptoms and order tests or refer you to a specialist if needed.
›Do I need to fast before anaemia tests?
Fasting usually isn't necessary for a complete blood count, but for iron and ferritin tests it may be recommended not to have blood drawn right after eating — check the exact requirements with your lab.
›What does a low ferritin level mean?
Low ferritin usually means the body's iron stores are depleted, which is the most common cause of iron-deficiency anaemia.
›Why is homocysteine tested alongside iron?
A homocysteine test helps identify a possible vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, which can also cause anaemia even when iron levels are normal.
Related situations
This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.
This information is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, your age and sex — always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.