How is Anemia diagnosed?

Your doctor is likely to ask you about your medical and family history, and order the following tests:

• Complete blood count (CBC): This test is used to count the number of red blood cells in your blood. Your doctor will check the hematocrit and the hemoglobin in your blood. In general, adult hematocrit values vary between 40% and 50% for men and 35% and 43% for women. For people who engage in intense physical activity, are pregnant or elderly, the numbers may normally be lower. Smoking and being at high altitudes might elevate numbers.

Additional diagnostic tests

A few tests may be ordered to evaluate different parameters like the levels of serum ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity, and/or transferrin may be ordered in for diagnosing an iron deficiency anemia. Additional tests for anemia include:

• Mean cellular volume (MCV, included in CBC)
• Transferrin or total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)

Could you be at risk of getting Anemia?

While there are multiple types of anemia, iron deficiency anemia is the most common form, especially among women and people who have a diet that lacks enough iron.

The following groups of people have the highest chances for iron-deficiency anemia:

• Menstruating women, especially if menstrual periods are heavy
• Pregnant or lactating women
• People with gut-related conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease
• People with gastric ulcers or peptic ulcer disease
• People who have undergone bariatric procedures, especially gastric bypass operations
• Vegetarians, vegans, and other people whose diets do not include iron-rich foods
• People who have undergone major surgery or physical trauma

As per some literature, children who drink more than 16 to 24 ounces a day of cow’s milk can also develop iron deficiency. Cow’s milk contains little iron, and may also decrease iron absorption and cause irritation to the intestinal lining. However, always consult your child’s doctor as to what might suit him and what should be avoided.