Summary

• Red blood cells and haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that makes them red, are important because they carry oxygen from the lungs around the body.
• Anaemia is when you don’t have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin.
• There are many different causes of anaemia.
• The most common type of anaemia is iron-deficiency anaemia, which is usually caused by not eating or absorbing enough iron, or by losing blood.
• It’s important to treat the cause of anaemia so it doesn’t recur.

These key facts are from healthdirect.gov.au (accessed 27 Jan 2025). Visit the healthdirect website for more information about anaemia.

Relevant Tests

If your doctor suspects you have anaemia, they may request one or more tests.

If you are diagnosed with anaemia, some of these tests will be used to monitor and manage your condition.

Find information about specific tests:

• Full blood count (FBC)
• Blood film examination and differential
• White blood cell count
• Iron Studies
• Vitamin B12 and folate level