Anemia check: how to detect blood deficiency in time

Constant fatigue, pale skin, rapid heartbeat — all this may not be the result of stress or a disturbed sleep pattern, but a sign of anemia. This condition occurs when the body's ability to transport oxygen to tissues decreases. Most often, the cause is a decrease in hemoglobin levels or the number of red blood cells. But anemia is not always obvious, which is why checking for it should be consistent and deeper than a single analysis.

Who should get tested?

Signs that may indicate the need for examination:

• chronic fatigue without an obvious cause

• frequent headaches or dizziness

• paleness of the skin, mucous membranes

• brittle nails, hair loss

• shortness of breath on exertion

• rapid heartbeat even at rest

• heavy or prolonged menstruation

• vegetarian or monotonous diet

• the presence of chronic diseases (gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, autoimmune)

What does an anemia test consist of?

Complete blood count (CBC)

This is a basic test that allows you to assess:

• hemoglobin — the main marker of anemia

• red blood cells — number of red blood cells

• hematocrit — cell to plasma ratio

• MCV (mean corpuscular volume) — helps determine the type of anemia

• MCH, MCHC — hemoglobin content and concentration in the erythrocyte

ANC allows you to detect not only the fact of anemia, but also to assume its form - microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.

Ferritin, serum iron and transferrin

To diagnose iron deficiency anemia, it is important to:

• ferritin — indicates iron reserves in the body

• serum iron — displays the current level

• OBS and transferrin saturation — show how efficiently the transportation system works

A decrease in ferritin before a drop in hemoglobin indicates a hidden iron deficiency.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid

These values are checked when macrocytic anemia is suspected, when red blood cells have excessive volume. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause neurological symptoms - numbness, impaired coordination.

Reticulocytes, bilirubin, LDH

These tests help assess hematopoietic activity and detect hemolytic anemia, when red blood cells are destroyed too quickly.

Additional examinations

• fecal occult blood test — to detect internal bleeding

• endoscopy, ultrasound, gynecological examination — to find sources of blood loss

• genetic research — if hereditary forms of anemia are suspected (thalassemia, sickle cell anemia)

How to prepare properly?

• blood is given for a general analysis on an empty stomach, in the morning

• importantly report taking iron, vitamins, and medications

• you should not take tests during acute inflammation or immediately after an infection - this may affect the results

What to do if anemia is detected?

Once anemia is confirmed, it is important not only to normalize hemoglobin, but also:

• find the source of the problem: nutrition, losses, chronic diseases

• assess iron and vitamin reserves, and the general condition of the body

• prescribe treatment depending on the type of anemia (iron, B12, erythropoietin, etc.)

• to monitor dynamics

Getting tested for anemia is one of the easiest ways to prevent serious complications. Timely testing not only improves your well-being, but also avoids misdiagnoses and unnecessary procedures.