Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. To diagnose anemia, a healthcare professional will typically order a laboratory assessment that includes a complete blood count (CBC) and other tests.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC is a type of blood test that measures the number of red and white blood cells, as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Hemoglobin is a red protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues, and hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells an individual has. A CBC can help determine if a person has anemia, as well as the type and cause.
Other Tests
In addition to a CBC, a healthcare professional may also order further tests to confirm a diagnosis of anemia and identify its cause. These tests may include a reticulocyte count, which measures the number of immature red blood cells in the blood; a serum ferritin test, which measures the amount of iron stored in the body; and a serum iron test, which measures the amount of iron in the blood. Other tests may include a vitamin B12 and folate test, a red blood cell folate test, and a thyroid-stimulating hormone test.
Conclusion
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. To diagnose anemia, a healthcare professional will typically order a laboratory assessment that includes a complete blood count (CBC) and other tests, such as a reticulocyte count, a serum ferritin test, a serum iron test, a vitamin B12 and folate test, a red blood cell folate test, and a thyroid-stimulating hormone test.
