Baseline blood tests
This investigation detects anaemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia that may occur due to bone marrow suppression in severe malnutrition.
Full Blood Count
Low levels of this electrolyte are particularly associated with vomiting or laxative misuse and can cause dangerous arrhythmias.
Potassium
This blood test helps identify iron deficiency contributing to fatigue and microcytic anaemia.
Iron studies
This investigation is used to detect bradycardia in patients with severe anorexia.
ECG
This simple bedside test can provide information about hydration status and kidney involvement.
Urinalysis
This investigation assesses kidney function and electrolyte abnormalities commonly caused by dehydration, vomiting, or laxative misuse.
Urea and Electrolytes
This electrolyte becomes critically depleted during refeeding syndrome and must be closely monitored when nutritional intake increases.
Phosphate
This vitamin deficiency test is important when macrocytic anaemia or neurological symptoms are suspected.
Vitamin B12
This ECG abnormality significantly increases the risk of sudden cardiac death in anorexia nervosa.
Prolonged QT interval
This measurement is used to determine the severity of malnutrition and monitor progress during treatment.
BMI
This test can detect hepatic stress or reduced protein synthesis caused by prolonged starvation.
Liver Function Tests
Deficiency of this electrolyte may worsen cardiac rhythm disturbances and neuromuscular symptoms.
Magnesium
This vitamin deficiency can also cause macrocytic anaemia and may occur in patients with restricted diets.
Folate
This vital sign is commonly reduced in patients with severe starvation due to physiological adaptation.
Pulse rate
This renal marker may become elevated in patients who are severely dehydrated.
Creatinine
This blood test screens for hormonal adaptations to starvation that lead to metabolic slowing.
Thyroid Function Tests
This electrolyte plays an important role in bone metabolism and may be abnormal in chronic malnutrition.
Calcium
This test evaluates deficiency in a fat-soluble vitamin essential for bone health and calcium metabolism.
Vitamin D
This measurement may reveal hypotension caused by dehydration and reduced cardiac output.
Blood pressure
This imaging investigation is used to assess bone mineral density in patients with long-term anorexia.
DEXA scan
This inflammatory marker may be requested to exclude underlying organic disease as a cause of unexplained weight loss.
ESR or CRP
Abnormal levels of this electrolyte may reflect dehydration or excessive water intake sometimes seen in eating disorders.
Sodium
This screening blood test helps exclude a gastrointestinal condition that can cause weight loss and malabsorption.
Coeliac screen
This cardiac investigation is essential before refeeding in severely malnourished patients due to the risk of arrhythmias.
ECG
This blood test detects a potentially life-threatening metabolic complication of prolonged starvation.
Blood glucose