Clinical analyzes to detect anemia

To diagnose anemia it is necessary to carry out a blood test to evaluate the quantity of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which is normally an indicator of anemia when the hemoglobin values ​​are below 12 g/dL in the case of women and 14 g /dL en los hombres.

However, the concentration of hemoglobin is not the only parameter to diagnose anemia, and other tests are usually requested to identify the cause of low hemoglobin and initiate the most appropriate treatment. Know what you can indicate the altered values ​​of hemoglobin.

Since anemia due to deficiency in blood is more common, the doctor begins to evaluate the amount of ferritin in the blood, and when this substance is present, it means that there is little hierro in the organism. However, if the ferritin values ​​are normal, it may be necessary to carry out further tests such as the electrophoresis of hemoglobin or the level of vitamin B12 and folic acid, which help to identify other types of anemia.

1. Blood count

The hemogram is the main exam performed to diagnose anemia, where the hemoglobin levels are mainly observed. In general, anemia is considered when the hemoglobin levels in the blood are:

• In the men: less than 14 g/dL of blood;
• In the women: less than 12 g/dL of blood.

In addition to evaluating the quantity of hemoglobin, the quantity, size and characteristics of red blood cells can also be observed in the hemogram. Although it is the main test to diagnose anemia, it is necessary to complement it with other blood tests that allow identifying the type of anemia so that, in this way, it is possible to start the most appropriate treatment.

2. Blood frotis

The blood test is normally carried out together with the hemogram and has the objective of evaluating the appearance of the blood cells, including the red globules, under a microscope to determine the size, shape, number and appearance of the same. In this way, it is possible to contribute to the diagnosis of sickle cell anemia, thalasemia, megaloblastic anemia and other hematological alterations.

3. Hemoglobin electrophoresis

This analysis aims to identify the different types of hemoglobin found circulating in the blood of a person, being useful to identify sickle cell anemia and thalasemia, for example, which is also known as Mediterranean anemia.

It is important that the result of the electrophoresis of hemoglobin be evaluated by the doctor and complemented with the result of the hemogram, of the blood smear and of other blood tests, in addition to the observation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person.

See what are the normal values ​​of hemoglobin electrophoresis.

4. Reticulocyte count

The reticulocyte count is a type of test that can be requested together with the hemogram and that aims to identify the presence of reticulocytes in the blood, which are “young red globules”. In this way, it is possible to evaluate whether the bone marrow is functioning correctly, allowing the identification of aplastic anemia.

5. Hierro, ferritin and transferrin

The measurement of hierro, ferritin and transferrin levels is important for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, also known as iron deficiency anemia. These questions should also be requested along with the hemogram, because hierro deficiency is one of the main causes of the decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin and, therefore, of the anemia.

6. Vitamin B12

The measurement of vitamin B12 levels in blood may be requested by the doctor with the aim of investigating pernicious anemia, as the deficiency of this vitamin may cause anemia. This issue is mainly indicated when the blood count shows, apart from the decrease in hemoglobin levels, the reduction in the number of red blood cells and a larger size than normal, apart from also being able to observe changes in the form of the erythrocytes .

7. Bone marrow biopsy

Bone marrow biopsy is a test that can be performed when changes in the blood count and blood flow are observed, which suggest that anemia is related to organ disorders. As it is a more invasive exam, the bone marrow biopsy alone is indicated to carry out other main tests capable of identifying anemia.

8. Other questions

Other issues can be indicated by the doctor to identify the anemia and the type and investigate the cause, such as:

• Examination of heces;
• Bilirubin levels;
• Measurement of copper levels in blood;
• Tips to evaluate the function of the liver and kidneys.

It is important that the result of the exams be evaluated by the doctor, so it is only possible to start the appropriate treatment for the situation. Having only the hemoglobin concentration below the reference value is not enough to determine anemia, being very important to carry out complementary tests. Know the different types of anemia and their symptoms.

A way to avoid iron deficiency and pernicious anemia, is through changes in eating habits, because the mismas can arise as a result of the diet.

Watch the following video on how to avoid these types of anemia: