Question 1

What's included in the Baseline Anemia Panel?

Accepted Answer

Five tests: [CBC with Differential](/tests/cbc-with-differential) (confirms anemia + measures cell size), [Ferritin](/tests/ferritin) (iron stores), [Iron + TIBC](/tests/iron-and-tibc) (circulating iron + transferrin saturation), [Vitamin B12](/tests/vitamin-b12) (B12 deficiency), and Folate (folate deficiency). Together they identify >95% of nutritional anemia causes in one draw.

Question 2

What's the most common cause of anemia?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency, by a wide margin — especially in menstruating women, pregnant women, vegetarians/vegans, and endurance athletes. [Ferritin](/tests/ferritin) drops first (months before hemoglobin falls), then transferrin saturation drops, then [CBC](/tests/cbc-with-differential) hemoglobin drops. This panel catches all three stages and the top 3 nutritional causes (iron, B12, folate) in one draw.

Question 3

How do I interpret the panel results?

Accepted Answer

Low [Ferritin](/tests/ferritin) + small red cells (low MCV) = iron deficiency. High MCV (>100 fL) + low [B12](/tests/vitamin-b12) = B12 deficiency. High MCV + low folate = folate deficiency. Normal cell size + low hemoglobin + normal iron studies = anemia of chronic disease (inflammation, kidney disease) — needs further workup.

Question 4

How much does the Baseline Anemia Panel cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

On TestWell, the Baseline Anemia Panel is $74.99. Ordering the same 5 tests separately would be about $115. Quest Direct lists comparable bundles at $175, walk-in hospital labs typically bill $400-600 for the same biomarkers without insurance.

Question 5

What's the difference between this and the Iron Panel?

Accepted Answer

[Iron Panel (Complete)](/tests/iron-panel-complete) focuses on iron only: CBC + Ferritin + Iron + TIBC + transferrin saturation. Baseline Anemia Panel adds [B12](/tests/vitamin-b12) + Folate to catch non-iron causes of anemia. Use the Baseline Anemia Panel for first-time anemia workup; Iron Panel for known iron-deficiency monitoring.

Question 6

Do I need to fast?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 8-12 hours of fasting (water only) is recommended for accurate Iron + TIBC results. Also hold iron supplements for 24 hours before the draw; they can transiently elevate serum iron and produce false-normal results.

Question 7

Can I get this panel at LabCorp or Quest near me?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all five tests are available at Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp patient service centers nationwide. Order on TestWell, pick your preferred lab, and we'll generate a digital requisition for any of their walk-in locations.

Question 8

How often should I retest after starting iron supplements?

Accepted Answer

Re-test [Ferritin](/tests/ferritin) at 8-12 weeks to confirm absorption. Re-test full panel at 3 months if hemoglobin was low (CBC tracks treatment response). Annually thereafter if cause is resolved; every 3-6 months if cause persists (heavy menses, malabsorption).

Baseline Anemia Panel

About This Panel

Clinical Use

Who Should Order This

Helps Evaluate

Tests Included in This Panel

Preparation Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Frequently asked questions

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