Laboratory Approach to Anemia

Abstract

Anemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and can be deined as a decreased quantity of circulating red blood cells (RBCs). The epidemiological studies suggested that one-third of the world's population is afected with anemia. Anemia is not a disease, but it is instead the sign of an underlying basic pathological process. However, the sign may function as a compass in the search for the cause. Therefore, the prediagnosis revealed by thorough investigation of this sign should be supported by laboratory parameters according to the underlying pathological process. We expect that this review will provide guidance to clinicians with indings and laboratory tests that can be followed from the initial stage in the anemia search.

Factors Associated with Schistosoma mansoni Infestation in Northeast Brazil: A Need to Revisit Individual and Community Risk Factors

“…However, the blood count was a useful tool considering that the study needed a reference point to investigate anemia in a population. 14 After correcting for the effects of gender and age, hematological parameters of anemia were different among the groups, revealing a better hematological status among new S. mansoni cases after treatment. In children treated with praziquantel, Olds and others 37 observed an increase in hemoglobin levels.…”

“…13 The hemogram is a useful test to observe hematological parameters associated with anemia. 14 Schistosomiasis was one of 10 neglected diseases proposed to be controllable by the end of 2020 9 ; however, this goal will not be attained because it continues to undergo active transmission in many areas of the world. 15 In Brazil, despite an apparent decrease in schistosomiasis, there is still S. mansoni transmission, and continuous surveillance is needed.…”

Identification of the Anti-sickling Activity of Anogeissus leiocarpus and In Silico Investigation of Some of Its Phytochemicals

“…The assessment of hematological parameters is one simple and convenient way of evaluating the effectiveness of a therapy in blood disorders such as SCD (44,45). Hematological parameters such as MCH, red cell distribution width, and reticulocyte counts are important in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of SCD (44,46). Leukocytes are readily accessible cell population and they are involved in SCD vasculopathy (47).…”

Diagnosing anemia: Challenges selecting methods, addressing underlying causes, and implementing actions at the public health level

“…The reticulocyte count estimates the RBC output from bone marrow and a blood smear helps to evaluate RBC morphology. Other tests that could be requested include a bone marrow biopsy, Hb electrophoresis for Hb variants (i.e., HbS), or other beta globin gene disorders (such as thalassaemia), serum creatinine, erythropoietin, liver function, coagulation profile, or hemolysis profile 65,66 …”

“…Other tests that could be requested include a bone marrow biopsy, Hb electrophoresis for Hb variants (i.e., HbS), or other beta globin gene disorders (such as thalassaemia), serum creatinine, erythropoietin, liver function, coagulation profile, or hemolysis profile. 65,66 The MCV, MCH, and MCHC are generally reduced and RBC distribution width increased in iron deficiency anemia. The reticulocyte Hb concentration is a measure of iron availability to RBCs recently released from the bone marrow and is widely available on modern automated analyzers; it is reduced in iron deficiency.…”