Clinician handoff
Anemia
Designed for a 60-second scan in primary care. Use this to explain why this theory fits, what would weaken it, and which tests are most worth discussing.
Why this still fits
I've been experiencing fatigue and brain fog, with shortness of breath when climbing stairs. I'd like to check for iron deficiency and anemia - including ferritin, not just hemoglobin.
What would weaken it
- -Do you get short of breath or your heart races climbing just 1-2 flights of stairs?
- -Does lying down quickly and reliably improve your symptoms?
- -Do you have pale inner eyelids or pale nail beds?
Key points to communicate
- •Ferritin can be 'normal' at 15-30 but symptomatic - optimal is 50-100
- •I have [heavy periods/vegetarian diet/other risk factors]
- •Iron deficiency without anemia still causes significant symptoms
Tests and measurements to discuss
Need the fuller context? Use the test explainers for the measurement itself, or jump back to the tests section on the Anemia page to see how the tests fit the whole pattern.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Ferritin
What this helps clarify: Iron storage marker that can affect energy, focus, and cognition.
Range context
40-100 ng/mL
How to use the result
Save the result with date and symptoms from the same week.
B12 and Folate
What this helps clarify: Essential for methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis
Range context
>20 ng/mL
How to use the result
Save the result with date and symptoms from the same week.
Anemia Testing
Investigate Cause (if anemia confirmed)
Peer-reviewed references