Fatigue &
Tiredness
What this training covers
- What the nine biomarkers measure
- How blood and iron markers relate to tiredness conversations
- Which customers this test may suit
- When Ferritin, Iron Status or another test may be more appropriate
- When testing should not delay medical assessment
About this test
The KnowYou+ Fatigue & Tiredness Test measures 9 biomarkers covering key areas of iron health and blood-cell health.
The panel includes Ferritin, Iron, Haemoglobin (HGB), Red Blood Cell Count (RBC), Haematocrit (HCT), White Blood Cell Count (WBC), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC).
These measurements can provide useful insight into areas that may be relevant when a customer is experiencing persistent tiredness, low energy or weakness.
The test does not diagnose the cause of fatigue. Results should be considered alongside symptoms, medical history and any other relevant clinical information.
What do the nine biomarkers measure?
Ferritin
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and is commonly used as an indicator of the body's iron stores.
Iron
Measures the amount of circulating iron in the blood at the time of the test.
Haemoglobin (HGB)
Haemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells and is important for transporting oxygen around the body.
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
Measures the number of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body.
Haematocrit (HCT)
Measures the proportion of the blood that is made up of red blood cells.
White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
Measures white blood cells, which form an important part of the body's immune response.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Measures the average size of red blood cells.
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH)
Measures the average amount of haemoglobin within each red blood cell.
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
Measures the average concentration of haemoglobin within red blood cells.
Who might this test be suitable for?
Persistent tiredness
A customer is experiencing ongoing tiredness or low energy and wants to explore blood and iron markers that may be relevant.
Low energy or weakness
They want a broader assessment than a single ferritin measurement because their concern is persistent weakness or reduced energy.
Previous blood or iron result
They have previously had a blood-cell or iron-related measurement outside the expected range and want a current laboratory assessment.
Broader first look
Their main concern is tiredness and they want a panel combining iron markers with key red-cell and blood-cell measurements.
3 useful questions to ask
These questions help establish whether the Fatigue & Tiredness Test best matches the customer's concern or whether another KnowYou+ test or medical assessment may be more appropriate.
How to explain Fatigue & Tiredness to the customer
Explain that the test combines iron markers such as Ferritin and Iron with important blood-cell measurements including Haemoglobin, RBC, HCT, WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC.
This gives a broader picture than a standalone Ferritin Test and is intended for customers whose main concern is persistent tiredness or low energy.
The results provide useful measurements and health insight, but they do not on their own diagnose the cause of fatigue or establish a medical condition.
Could another KnowYou+ test provide more relevant information?
| Customer wants to understand… | Test to consider |
|---|---|
| Persistent tiredness with blood and iron markers assessed together | Fatigue & Tiredness |
| Stored iron specifically | Ferritin |
| A broader picture of iron storage, transport and availability | Iron Status |
| Key blood-cell measurements without the wider iron panel | Cell Blood Count |
| A broader overview across several areas of health | General Health |
Important to remember
A Fatigue & Tiredness Test result is not a diagnosis.
Tiredness and low energy can have many different causes. These biomarkers provide information about selected areas of blood and iron health only.
Results outside the expected range should be considered in the context of symptoms, medical history and other clinical information.
Pharmacy staff should avoid diagnosing anaemia, iron deficiency, infection or another condition from these results alone.
When testing should not delay medical assessment
- Severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness
- Chest pain, fainting or marked weakness
- Significant or unexplained bleeding
- Black stools or vomiting blood
- Rapid unexplained deterioration in energy or strength
- Persistent high fever or appearing seriously unwell
- Persistent or worsening symptoms despite previous assessment
Urgent or concerning symptoms should be referred for appropriate medical assessment rather than relying on an at-home blood test. Full pharmacist referral guidance will be included in the training manual.
Want more detail?
The full Pharmacist Training Manual will include additional customer cues, biomarker guidance, detailed test comparisons, common questions, expanded referral guidance and clinical training notes.