Blood levels can provide valuable information in diagnosing aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a rare, serious condition in which the body fails to make enough new blood cells. It is caused by damage to the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue in the middle of the bones where all new blood cells are formed.
When diagnosing aplastic anemia, a doctor will typically order a complete blood count (CBC). This test measures different components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Aplastic anemia can be diagnosed if all three of these components are low.
Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. With aplastic anemia, the marrow fails to make enough red blood cells, leading to a low red blood cell count, or anemia.
White blood cells help the body fight off infection. With aplastic anemia, the marrow fails to make enough white blood cells, leading to a low white blood cell count, or leukopenia.
Platelets help the body form clots and stop bleeding. With aplastic anemia, the marrow fails to make enough platelets, leading to a low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia.
These three low blood levels – anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia – indicate aplastic anemia. If any one of these three components is low, it is an indication that a person may have aplastic anemia. The doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.
In summary, blood levels can provide valuable information in diagnosing aplastic anemia. A low red blood cell count, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count all indicate aplastic anemia. Additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.