Anemia
occurs when the amount of hemoglobin (found in the red blood cells) drops
below normal. Hemoglobin is necessary for the transport and delivery of
oxygen throughout the body. There are many different types of anemia, but we
will limit this page to the most common ones.
The Anemia Screening -
Basic includes:
Hemoglobin (Hgb). Hemoglobin is the substance in a red blood cell
that carries oxygen. The hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in
blood and is a good indication of the blood's ability to carry oxygen
throughout the body.
Hematocrit (HCT, packed cell volume, PCV). This test measures the
amount of space (volume) red blood cells occupy in the blood. The value is
given as a percentage of red blood cells in a volume of blood. For example, a
hematocrit of 38 means that 38% of the blood's volume is composed of red
cells.
People
often equate anemia with iron-deficiency. While this is partially true,
anemia is actually any condition where red blood cells are reduced in number
or volume or are deficient in the oxygen-carrying red pigmented protein
hemoglobin. In this scenario, a lack of iron can either be a cause or a
result.
Most anemias reduce the oxygen available to the body's tissues, leading to
fatigue, dizziness, fainting and shortness of breath. This condition usually
occurs as a symptom of another health condition.
If you show signs of anemia, detecting and classifying your condition can
help your physician determine what, if any, other "silent" conditions might
be affecting you.
There are nearly one hundred varieties of anemia. Each can be classified
according to its cause: • Increased
red blood cell destruction—often due to hereditary diseases •Decreased red blood cell production—due
to lack of iron •Excessive bleeding—due to sudden or
chronic blood loss
Recognizing anemia
There may be no symptoms at first, or symptoms such as: • Fatigue • Weakness • Pale skin • Fainting spells • Breathlessness • Rapid heart beat • Appetite loss • Stomach
pain
Other changes in your iron status
Iron-overload occurs when the amount of iron entering the body exceeds the
amount of iron lost. Excessive amounts of iron can be caused by ingestion of
large amounts of iron supplements, multiple blood transfusions or increased
absorption of iron from the intestine as occurs in the inherited disease
called hemochromatosis.
Iron overload may cause no symptoms, but the accumulation of iron can cause
damage to important organs such as the heart and liver.
The Anemia Screening - Basic can also help
detect conditions associated with iron excess, such as iron overload or Hemochromatosis
A complete blood count (CBC) provides important information about the kinds
and numbers of cells in the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells and
platelets. A CBC can help you and your health professional evaluate symptoms (such as
weakness, fatigue, or bruising) and diagnose conditions (such as anemia,
infection, and many other disorders).
A CBC test includes:
White blood cell (WBC) count. White blood cells protect the body
against infection. If an infection develops, white blood cells attack and
destroy the bacteria, virus, or other organism causing it. White blood cells
are bigger than red blood cells and normally fewer in number. When a person
has a bacterial infection, the number of white cells can increase
dramatically. The white blood cell count shows the number of white blood cells
in a sample of blood. The number of white blood cells is sometimes used to
identify an infection or monitor the body's response to cancer treatment.
White blood cell types (WBC differential). There are five major
kinds of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils,
and basophils. Immature neutrophils, called band neutrophils, are also
included and counted as part of this test. Each type of cell plays a different
role in protecting the body. The numbers of each one of these types of white
blood cells give important information about the immune system. An increase or
decrease in the numbers of the different types of white blood cells can help
identify infection, an allergic or toxic reaction to certain medications or
chemicals, and many conditions (such as leukemia ).
Red blood cell (RBC) count. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the
lungs to the rest of the body. They also help carry carbon dioxide back to the
lungs so it can be exhaled. The red blood cell count shows the number of red
blood cells in a sample of blood. If the RBC count is low, the body may not be
getting the oxygen it needs. If the count is too high (a condition called
polycythemia), there is a risk that the red blood cells will clump together
and block tiny blood vessels (capillaries).
Hematocrit (HCT, packed cell volume, PCV). This test measures the
amount of space (volume) red blood cells occupy in the blood. The value is
given as a percentage of red blood cells in a volume of blood. For example, a
hematocrit of 38 means that 38% of the blood's volume is composed of red
cells.
Hemoglobin (Hgb). Hemoglobin is the substance in a red blood cell
that carries oxygen. The hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in
blood and is a good indication of the blood's ability to carry oxygen
throughout the body.
Red blood cell indices. There are three red blood cell indices:
mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean
corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). They are not measured directly
but are determined from other measurements noted during a CBC. The MCV shows
the size of the red blood cells. The MCH value is the amount of hemoglobin in
an average red blood cell. The MCHC measures the concentration of hemoglobin
in an average red blood cell. These numbers help in the diagnosis of different
types of anemia.
Platelet (thrombocyte) count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are the
smallest type of blood cell. They play a major role in blood clotting. When
bleeding occurs, the platelets swell, clump together, and form a sticky plug
that helps stop the bleeding. If there are too few platelets, uncontrolled
bleeding may be a problem. If there are too many platelets, there is a risk of
a blood clot forming in a blood vessel.
Blood smear. In this test, a drop of blood is spread (smeared) on a
slide and stained with a special dye. The slide is then examined under a
microscope. The numbers, size, and shape of red blood cells, white blood
cells, and platelets are recorded. Blood cells with unusual shapes or sizes
can help diagnose many blood diseases, such as leukemia, malaria, or sickle
cells anemia.
A complete blood count (CBC) provides important information about the kinds
and numbers of cells in the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells and
platelets. A CBC can help you and your health professional evaluate symptoms (such as
weakness, fatigue, or bruising) and diagnose conditions (such as anemia,
infection, and many other disorders).
A CBC test includes:
White blood cell (WBC) count. White blood cells protect the body
against infection. If an infection develops, white blood cells attack and
destroy the bacteria, virus, or other organism causing it. White blood cells
are bigger than red blood cells and normally fewer in number. When a person
has a bacterial infection, the number of white cells can increase
dramatically. The white blood cell count shows the number of white blood cells
in a sample of blood. The number of white blood cells is sometimes used to
identify an infection or monitor the body's response to cancer treatment.
White blood cell types (WBC differential). There are five major
kinds of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils,
and basophils. Immature neutrophils, called band neutrophils, are also
included and counted as part of this test. Each type of cell plays a different
role in protecting the body. The numbers of each one of these types of white
blood cells give important information about the immune system. An increase or
decrease in the numbers of the different types of white blood cells can help
identify infection, an allergic or toxic reaction to certain medications or
chemicals, and many conditions (such as leukemia ).
Red blood cell (RBC) count. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the
lungs to the rest of the body. They also help carry carbon dioxide back to the
lungs so it can be exhaled. The red blood cell count shows the number of red
blood cells in a sample of blood. If the RBC count is low, the body may not be
getting the oxygen it needs. If the count is too high (a condition called
polycythemia), there is a risk that the red blood cells will clump together
and block tiny blood vessels (capillaries).
Hematocrit (HCT, packed cell volume, PCV). This test measures the
amount of space (volume) red blood cells occupy in the blood. The value is
given as a percentage of red blood cells in a volume of blood. For example, a
hematocrit of 38 means that 38% of the blood's volume is composed of red
cells.
Hemoglobin (Hgb). Hemoglobin is the substance in a red blood cell
that carries oxygen. The hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in
blood and is a good indication of the blood's ability to carry oxygen
throughout the body.
Red blood cell indices. There are three red blood cell indices:
mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean
corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). They are not measured directly
but are determined from other measurements noted during a CBC. The MCV shows
the size of the red blood cells. The MCH value is the amount of hemoglobin in
an average red blood cell. The MCHC measures the concentration of hemoglobin
in an average red blood cell. These numbers help in the diagnosis of different
types of anemia.
Platelet (thrombocyte) count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are the
smallest type of blood cell. They play a major role in blood clotting. When
bleeding occurs, the platelets swell, clump together, and form a sticky plug
that helps stop the bleeding. If there are too few platelets, uncontrolled
bleeding may be a problem. If there are too many platelets, there is a risk of
a blood clot forming in a blood vessel.
Serum Iron Profile and
Total Iron Binding
Capacity (TIBC)
Serum iron level measures the level of
iron in the liquid part of your blood.
It also measures the amount of
Transferrin, a blood protein that transports iron
from the gut to the cells that use it. Your body makes Transferrin in
relationship to your need for iron.
When iron stores are low, Transferrin
levels increase, while Transferrin is low when there is too much iron.
Usually about one third of the Transferrin is being used to transport iron.
Because of this, your blood serum has considerable extra iron-binding
capacity, which is the Unsaturated Iron Biding Capacity (UIBC). The TIBC
equals UIBC plus the serum iron measurement. Some laboratories measure UIBC,
some measure TIBC, and some measure transferrin.
Composed of iron and protein,
Ferritin is a storehouse for iron in the body. Measurement provides
an accurate picture of how much iron you have available in reserve. It is
used to evaluate anemia and for diagnosing iron deficiency. The ferritin
test is ordered to see how much iron your body has stored for future
use. The test is done, usually with an iron test and the TIBC to
learn about your iron levels in your blood.
If a blood
countindicates that your Hemoglobinand Hematocrit are low, especially
if your red cells are smaller and paler than normal (microcytic and
hypochromic in medical terms), iron deficiency is a likely cause for
the anemia..
Ferritin and other iron testscan be used to confirm the
diagnosis.
Ferritin
levels are low in chronic iron deficiency and or if your body
proteins are severely depleted, as in some cases of malnutrition.
On the
other hand this test also may be ordered when one suspects you may
have too much iron, in cases of iron overload, iron poisoning,
situation called hemosiderosis (too much iron accumulating from
disease or ingestion), and hemochromatosis.
Ferritin is
normally found mainly inside of cells, with only a small amount in
the blood. When there is damage to organs that contain ferritin
(especially the liver, spleen, and bone marrow), ferritin levels can
become elevated even though the total amount of iron in the body is
normal. Ferritin levels may not be particularly helpful in persons
with liver disease, chronic infections, cancers, or autoimmune
diseases (which are all associated with organ damage).
Transferrin
or TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity). is checked when it
appears that you have too much or too little iron in your system.
TIBC (or transferrin) is typically used along with serum ironto
evaluate persons suspected of having too much or too little iron.
Usually, about one third of the transferrin measured is being used
to transport iron. In iron deficiency, iron is low, but TIBC is
increased. In iron overload, such as in hemochromatosis, iron will
be high and TIBC will be low or normal.
Because transferrin is made in the liver, TIBC and transferrin will
also be low with liver disease. Transferrin levels fall relatively
rapidly when there is not enough protein in the diet, and so can
also be used to monitor nutrition. If you have anemia, especially if
the red cells are small and pale (microcytic and hypochromic), iron
tests are usually performed. When one suspects you may have too much
iron, or if you have a family history of hemochromatosis, iron and
TIBC (or transferrin or UIBC) may be used to see if further testing
is needed.
High transferrin levels are found in iron deficiency, pregnancy, and in those
taking birth control pills. It is low in liver disease, kidney disease,
cancer, chronic inflammation, hereditary transferrin deficiency, or when
there are excessive amounts of iron in the body.
Hemoglobin is the compound that carries oxygen from the
lungs to other parts of the body.
The human body can survive three weeks without food, three days
without drinking, but only three minutes without oxygen.
Sufficient oxygen to each cell in the body is the basis of life
itself.
Anemia can be a temporary or long-term disease/illness, and can
range from mild to severe. If you have mild anemia, there may be
no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but severe anemia can result
in a major impact on the quality of life
People often equate anemia with iron-deficiency. While this is
partially true, anemia is actually any condition where red blood
cells are reduced in number or volume or are deficient in the
oxygen-carrying red pigmented protein Hemoglobin.
In this scenario, a lack of iron can either be a cause or a
result.
Most anemias reduce the oxygen available to the body's tissues,
leading to fatigue, dizziness, fainting and shortness of breath.
This condition usually occurs as a symptom of another health
condition.
There are nearly one hundred varieties of anemia. Each can be
classified according to its cause:
Water, nutrients, and oxygen are transported into the
mitochondria and burned there to produce energy. If not enough
oxygen is available when nutrients are burned, the burn is
incomplete.
The amount of oxygen in our blood is directly proportional to
the number of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin,
which carries oxygen. Iron is also necessary, as the agent that
carries oxygen.
Normal range
for Females 18 yr and up is
11.5 - 15.0 g/dL
Normal range
for Males 18 yr and up
is 12.5 -
17.0 g/dL
Good nutrition is an important aspect of healthy
living. Choosing foods that supply essential nutrients and limiting intake
of certain fats and salts can help promote good health.
Blood levels of vitamin B12 and folate are key markers of an individual’s
nutritional status.
Vitamin B12 is important in maintaining heart health and minimizing the risk
of anemia. In conjunction with folic acid, it helps regulate the use of iron
and the formation of red blood cells.
Folate (folic acid) is a B vitamin that is essential to fetal development;
adequate intake of folate during pregnancy can prevent certain types of
birth defects. There is evidence that increased intake of folate and other B
vitamins can lower levels of Homocystein, a risk
factor for heart disease.
A reticulocyte count is a
test that measures how rapidly immature red blood cells. Reticulocytes are made by the
bone marrow and then released into the bloodstream. Reticulocytes circulate
in the bloodstream for about 2 days before developing into mature red blood
cells. Normally, about 1% to 2% of the red blood cells in the bloodstream
are reticulocytes.
The reticulocyte count increases during rapid blood loss or in the course of
certain diseases in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely. Also,
spending an extended period of time at an elevation above sea level may
cause reticulocyte counts to increase. This occurs to help a person adapt to
the lower oxygen levels found at high altitudes.
A reticulocyte count is done to:
Help determine whether anemia is being caused by a decrease in production of
red blood cells or by an increase in destruction (or loss) of red blood
cells. The increased destruction or loss of red blood cells causes the bone
marrow to make more reticulocytes.
Monitor treatment for anemia. For example, a higher reticulocyte count
indicates that iron replacement treatment or other treatment to reverse the
anemia is effective.
The information provided on this site is
for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for
advice from your physician or other health care professional or any
information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You
should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment
of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other
treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before
starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking
any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health
problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first
consulting your physician.
Affiliate - Cleveland
Clinic & University Hospital Network
