Blood Test for Anemia: A Guide to Diagnosis, Types, and Treatment

Are you anemic? Not sure? 

In India, anemia is 25.0% in men (15-49 years) and 57% in women (15-49 years). It is 31.1% in adolescent boys (15-19 years), 59.1% in teenage girls, 52.2% in pregnant women (15-49 years), and 67.1% in children (6-59 months).

Various blood tests help detect anemia deficiency. Here in this article, let's understand more about different blood tests for anemia, the benefits of these tests, how they work, and the importance of getting tested.

What is Anemia?

Anemia is when the red blood cell count, or the hemoglobin, is lower than normal.

But why are these red blood cells or hemoglobin important?

Haemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. If you have too few red blood cells or insufficient hemoglobin, the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to the body will decrease.

Is this a serious condition?

Yes. This may cause symptoms like weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. In addition, optimal hemoglobin is important to fulfill your physiological needs, which may vary by age, sex, smoking habits, elevation of residence, and pregnancy status.

But what causes anemia? 

Multiple factors may cause anemia, including nutritional deficiencies caused by poor diets or inadequate nutrient absorption, infections like malaria and parasitic infections, inflammation, chronic diseases, and inherited red blood cell disorders. 

Anemia is one of the common and major public health concerns that mainly affect children, pregnant and postpartum women, and menstruating adolescent girls and women. However, the condition is still preventable and treatable.

Types of Anemia

There are several types of anemia, and each type has different causes. The most common causes include:

• Iron-deficiency anemia (due to lack of iron)
• Folate-deficiency anemia (due to low folate)
• Anemia of chronic disease (due to chronic health conditions like kidney disease)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (due to deficiency of B12)
• Aplastic anemia (due to bone marrow failure)
• Hemolytic anemia (due to loss of red blood cells)

Symptoms of Anemia

The most common symptoms of anemia are- 

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Brittle hair and nails
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headaches
• Pale skin
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cold hands and feet
• Chest pain (in severe cases)

So, if you notice any of the symptoms of anemia, you should consult your doctor and get tested for it. 

Why are Blood Tests Important for Anemia?

The blood test helps to diagnose anemia and detects the severity of the condition. If the condition goes unnoticed, it can cause severe health issues, such as organ damage. In fact, according to WHO, anemia affects nearly 37% of pregnant women and 30% of women, with the highest prevalence in developing countries, particularly among women and children.

Types of Blood Tests for Anemia

There are various blood tests available used to diagnose anemia. These tests provide crucial information about the quantity and quality of red blood cells and other blood components. Here are some of the most common tests-

Complete Blood Count (CBC)-  The Complete Blood Count or CBC test for anemia is the most common test to detect anemia. The blood test for anemia measures several components of your blood, including:

• Hemoglobin (Hb)- Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
• Hematocrit (Hct)- The percentage of blood composed of red blood cells.
• Red Blood Cell (RBC) count- The number of red blood cells (RBCs) in a given blood volume.
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) measures the average size of your red blood cells.
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) measures the average amount of hemoglobin inside a red blood cell.

These values help determine the anemia's severity and give clues about its type.

• Low MCV- This indicates iron-deficiency anemia or thalassemia.
• High MCV- This indicates vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia.

Reticulocyte Count—The reticulocyte count measures the number of immature red blood cells in the blood. When the body compensates for anemia, the bone marrow releases more reticulocytes. A high reticulocyte count means the body produces more red blood cells to compensate for blood loss.

Iron Studies- Iron is important for producing hemoglobin, and iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anemia. Iron studies or iron panel tests measure:

• Ferritin- A protein that stores iron in the body.
• Serum Iron- The amount of iron present in the blood.
• Transferrin- A protein that carries iron through the bloodstream.
• Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)- The total transferrin to bind to iron.

Low serum iron and ferritin levels often indicate iron-deficiency anemia. 

Hemoglobin (Hb) Test—A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The test detects anemia.

Vitamin B12 and Folate Tests—Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for red blood cell production. A deficiency in either can cause megaloblastic anemia, a condition in which RBCs are larger than normal and unable to function properly.

• The vitamin B12 test measures the amount of B12 in your blood. Low levels of B12 indicate anemia, neurological problems, and cognitive issues.
• The folate test measures the folate (vitamin B9) levels in your blood. A folate deficiency can also cause megaloblastic anemia.

Who Should Get Tested for Anemia?

While anyone can take the anemia test, certain groups of people should get the test to detect anemia. These are-

• Adult women
• Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers
• Children
• People with chronic diseases
• Elderly people
• People who have undergone major surgery 
• People with gastrointestinal diseases, including IBD, such as ulcerative colitis, celiac disease (sprue), or Crohn's disease
• People with peptic ulcer disease
• Vegetarians and vegans who do not consume iron-rich foods.

How to Prepare for a Blood Test for Anemia?

The anemia blood test is a simple test requiring no special preparation. Here are the general instructions you need to follow-

• Fasting- You do not need to fast before the test.
• Medications—If you take any medications or supplements, inform your doctor, as these might impact your blood test results. 
• Hydration- Drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated. 

Treatment and Management of Anemia

The treatment of the anemia depends on the condition. These include:

• Iron Supplements- Your doctor may recommend you take iron supplements and change your diet.
• Vitamin B12 and Folate Supplements- People with vitamin deficiencies may recommend oral supplements or injections.
• Blood Transfusions—In severe cases of anemia, significant blood loss, or anemia caused by chronic disease, blood transfusion or shots of a hormone called erythropoietin are required.
• Medications—Some types of anemia caused by chronic disease may require medications to stimulate red blood cell production.
• Dietary Changes—A healthy diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate can help prevent and manage anemia.

Best Tips to Prevent Anemia

Anemia is a treatable and preventable condition that requires dietary changes and supplements. Here are a few tips for preventing anemia:

• Follow a healthy diet. Eat iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, lentils, tofu, spinach, and fortified cereals.
• Take vitamin B12 and folate- Eat dairy products, leafy greens, eggs, and fortified cereals.
• Avoid alcohol consumption- Do not drink excessive alcohol as it might interfere with red blood cell production.
• Manage chronic diseases—If you have conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, try to manage them with proper treatment to reduce the risk of anemia.
• Protect yourself from bacterial infection- Wash your hands often and ensure cleanliness near you.
• Stay Hydrated- Drink more, watch, and keep yourself hydrated. 
• Keep moving- Add exercise to your routine and follow a healthy lifestyle. 
• Regular health checkups: Take anemia tests routinely to monitor your risk and health status and live a healthy life.

Final Words

Some types of anemia can cause life-threatening issues if not treated properly.

So, taking anemia blood tests regularly to diagnose your health condition early and get treatment on time is important. If you are experiencing symptoms of anemia or are at risk, consult a doctor and get tested. Early detection can prevent complications and help you lead a healthier life.