How to Diagnose Anemia

Red blood cells

Anemia is deficiency (either in quality or quantity) of the body to produce hemoglobin. Anemia if goes undetected can cause death. Reading this article will show how to diagnose anemia.

Instructions

1. Ask a doctor for a hemoglobin count. To determine anemia, one of the first things the doctor will do is have a simple blood test ordered. By ordering a blood test, a doctor will be able to measure hemoglobin count. Hemoglobin is the molecule in blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. Usually when hemoglobin levels are below 13 g/dL anemia is present. Just like traditional blood tests, the doctor will give specific instructions to follow before having this test done. Follow all instructions to ensure an accurate test.

2. Ask a doctor to do a bone marrow test. This automatic technique is not available everywhere, but, it is efficient in determining if anemia is present. Testing bone marrow will help the doctor determine an overall blood count. In a bone marrow test, the doctor is looking for the amount of immature red blood cells that are being created in the bone marrow. Get this test done if it is available because it is more effective than traditional blood tests.

3. Ask your doctor about blood smear staining. When automated tests such as traditional bone marrow tests are not available, blood smear staining is usually done. Blood smear staining is performed by examining the changes in number and morphology in young blood cells under a microscope. Thoroughly discuss this test with the doctor, because since this test is done manually, there is more room for error than in automatic tests.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't take chances with anemia. In anemia and other illnesses, seek the best medical attention possible.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic