Laboratory Tests
Aplastic anemia is a rare condition in which the body's bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. To diagnose aplastic anemia, a doctor will order a series of laboratory tests. These tests can include a complete blood count (CBC), a peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspiration, and a complete metabolic panel.
The CBC measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. A decrease in any of these cell types can indicate aplastic anemia. A peripheral blood smear is a microscope examination of the cells in the blood. It can reveal the size, shape, and other characteristics of the cells, which can help confirm a diagnosis of aplastic anemia.
A bone marrow aspiration is a medical procedure in which a small sample of bone marrow is taken from a patient's hipbone using a needle. The sample is examined under a microscope for signs of decreased blood cell production, which can indicate aplastic anemia.
A complete metabolic panel is a blood test that measures levels of electrolytes, proteins, glucose, kidney function, and other substances in the blood. Abnormal levels of certain substances can be an indication of aplastic anemia.
Other Tests
In addition to laboratory tests, a doctor may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to look for signs of bone marrow failure. A doctor may also order genetic tests to look for underlying genetic conditions that can cause aplastic anemia.
Conclusion
Aplastic anemia is a rare condition in which the body's bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. To diagnose aplastic anemia, a doctor will order a series of laboratory tests, imaging tests, and genetic tests. The laboratory tests can include a complete blood count (CBC), a peripheral blood smear, bone marrow aspiration, and a complete metabolic panel. Abnormal results from any of these tests can indicate aplastic anemia.