“What tests will be done to confirm anemia?”
I have anemia, and my son is getting blood work done to check if he is suffering from it as well. He's been experiencing symptoms of fatigue so I want to make sure. What tests would he have done? Would they do something different because he's a child?
3 Answers
Depending at what stage and what type of anemia you get. It is a very serious disease. Usually the patient feels tired, fatigue, sometimes unable to do their daily living activity. The complete blood count (CBC) is the most common test used to confirm anemia. It is part of the routine tests done. The complete CBC test the hemoglobin and hematocrit. The hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein part in the red blood cell that carries the oxygen. The hematocrit is a measure how much space the red blood cells take up in your blood. Low level of hemoglobin or hematocrit signify anemia. Everything has to do with the type of anemia and how it was acquired. For example, iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss or due to lack of nutrients, can be corrected by stopping the blood loss and eating food that are reach in iron. Diet: beans, dried fruits, eggs, lean red meat, salmon, iron-fortified bread and cereal, peas, tofu, dark green leafy vegetables (Spanish cucumber, broccoli) among others. No, anemia due to hereditary condition, the etiology (cause) of that condition needs to be assessed to find the right treatment. Severe anemia could be very serious. Loosing blood quickly can be fatal. The three main causes are red blood cell loss, lack of red blood production in the bone marrow or red cell destruction by the immune system. A hematologist would be a great choice. They will send the test to the lab. For analysis. But a complete work up is appropriate to find the etiology of the anemia. Thank you.
The definition of anemia is a decreased number of red blood cells. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are checked for this. Other tests are done in an effort to define the type of anemia. The testing for this is the same for adults and children.
RB Thomas, MD
RB Thomas, MD
The initial test is to check your blood for hemoglobin level, shape, and size of the red blood cells. Based on the findings other tests may be required.
