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Understanding Iron and Anaemia

How haemoglobin, ferritin, MCV and red cell counts relate, and why iron stores can fall before anaemia appears.

Written by Omer Suliman · Last reviewed September 2026 · Educational information only

Medipher explains medical wording in plain English — it does not diagnose or replace a clinician. If this is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

What this collection covers

  • Haemoglobin
  • Ferritin
  • MCV
  • Red blood cells
  • Anaemia

Your learning pathway

Follow the steps in order, or jump to the part you need. The emphasis is understanding, not diagnosis.

  1. What a full blood count showsThe routine panel that reports red cells, white cells and platelets.
  2. HaemoglobinThe oxygen-carrying protein inside red cells.
  3. Red blood cellsHow many cells are present in the sample.
  4. MCVThe average size of those cells, a useful clue when haemoglobin is low.
  5. FerritinIron stores, which can fall before haemoglobin does.
  6. AnaemiaThe word used when haemoglobin sits below the usual range.
  7. Questions to ask your doctorWhat to ask about causes, repeats and treatment options.

About this page

Medical reviewer
Clinical review pending
Last reviewed
September 2026

Evidence. Written from public patient-information sources including the NHS, NICE and the Association for Laboratory Medicine, and reviewed for plain-English accuracy before publication.

Educational content only. Medipher explains medical language in plain English. It does not diagnose, and it is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Read the medical disclaimer.

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