I was tested for anemia a few years ago during a doctor's visit. Some blood was taken, also a urine sample (I don't know if the urine sample was used for this purpose though). Anyway, the nurse or doctor was able to check it while I was waiting. After about 10-15 minutes the nurse came back and said "no anemia". I thought that was awfully quick! So I guess what I am wondering is if they are actually testing for every sign of anemia, whether it be iron, B-12, or another deficiency (at the time I only knew about iron deficiency anemia)? And am also wondering if they are able to actually know this just from a blood sample? Thanks.

Anemia is defined by the number of red blood cells you have. Thise can be done through a finger ***** or a CBC. In my hematologist's office they can process the CBC in just a few minutes, too. The vitamin deficiencies would be separate tests. They can take them all at once if they have reason to believe the results will show anemia or they can draw the tests for the specific vitamins after they know you are anemic to find out what your body needs to make more red blood. I don't know all of the tests, but they can test for the b-vitamins, iron stores, and iron-binding capacity.

Most hematologists, and many primary care docs (esp if they see children) have a CBC machine in their office, which will runs the basic checks for iron deficiency. It will not look for B-12 anemia.

Thanks for the reply =)... So if I had any type of anemia at all it would have shown up?

Oh, rubindj... I just saw your answer, thanks. So it does NOT test for B-12? So all anemia does not show up the same way?.....


Wait, what I mean is... If I have any type of anemia at all, will it ALWAYS show up? I don't mean will it show what kind of anemia, but will it always show that I have some kind of anemia. sorry if i'm confusing. thanks :)

The in-office CBC will count your red blood cells. If you don't have enough, you will be determined to be anemic.

Sorry this is so confusing. If your test was a year ago, it might not hurt to have it done again and ask the doctor if it would be worth testing for the b-vitamins and iron, too. Ask for a better explanation about the tests and their meanings.

The in-office CBC will count your red blood cells. If you don't have enough, you will be determined to be anemic.

Sorry this is so confusing. If your test was a year ago, it might not hurt to have it done again and ask the doctor if it would be worth testing for the b-vitamins and iron, too. Ask for a better explanation about the tests and their meanings.

THanks Panik, so basically you are saying that all anemia looks the same on the test (not enough red blood cells)? But to determine the cause of anemia you must test other things. Do I have it right this time? thanks :rolleyes:

That's right. The CBC can also show the size which kinda tells the age of your blood cells. Mine are big which shows that I am losing blood and most of my cells are young. And, it counts white cells, too.

That's right. The CBC can also show the size which kinda tells the age of your blood cells. Mine are big which shows that I am losing blood and most of my cells are young. And, it counts white cells, too.

Oh OK, thanks a lot! By the way I accidently used my other screen name to reply to you last time, sorry about that. :)