Laboratory parameters for anemia

Anemia could be found in a patient in different situations.  For example, it can be discovered by chance, if a person did laboratory tests for any reason.  Or, a person may go to a physician with complaints, and the physician would find anemia after physical and laboratory examinations.  The diagnosis of anemia is made by a physician based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

Hemoglobin values ​​for determining anemia (WHO)

MEN hemoglobin <130g / l, erythrocytes <4x1012 / l, hematocrit <39%

WOMEN hemoglobin <120g / l, erythrocytes <3.8x1012, hematocrit <36%

PREGNANT WOMEN hemoglobin <110g / l, hematocrit <33%

Comprehensive study of iron metabolism for correct diagnosis: Concentration of iron in serum (plasma) blood, Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), Unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), Transferrin level and transferrin saturation with iron, Soluble transferrin receptors, Ferritin, Hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, Ceruloplasmin

Normal peripheral blood counts in adults:

Normal indicators of iron metabolism:

Why is it not enough to measure only serum iron:

• Iron content in the blood serum is 0.2 - 0.5% of the total iron in the body.
• Aparent decrease in the concentration of iron in the blood serum can be noted with iron deficiency in the body, but its determination is not enough to diagnose latent anemia.
• Serum iron levels have circadian rhythms: diurnal, weekly, and seasonal. Differences in iron content in the morning and in the evening amounts to 0.5 mg / l.  Blood sampling for the determination of iron should be standardized in time (at 7-10 a.m.).

Transferrin and ferritin while pathologies:

Transferrin

•  Increases with iron deficiency, pregnancy, estrogen treatment
•  Decreases in idiopathic hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, acute phase reactions (infections, chronic inflammation, tumors).

Ferritin

•  Increases with iron overload, in acute phase reactions (infections, chronic inflammation, tumors)
•  Increases with hemodialysis
•  Decreases in iron deficiency states
•  The most important indicator for the differential diagnosis of IDA from other forms of anemia.

How to prepare properly for the test?

• Eliminate alcohol from the diet 24 hours before the test.
• Stop eating 8 hours before the test, you can drink clean non-carbonated water.
• Do not take medications within 24 hours before the test (in consultation with your doctor).
• Avoid taking medications containing iron within 72 hours of the study.
• Eliminate physical and emotional stress and do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.