Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal.

Several tests are required to confirm the presence, the type and cause, and the severity of anemia. By doing so,  we can provide appropriate and targeted anemia therapy.

Anemia can be identified or diagnosed in several ways:

1. Medical Examination

* Anamnesis regarding complaints, lifestyle, and family history

2. Supporting examinations using laboratory and blood tests.

Laboratory tests for anemia:

1. Complete Blood Count examination

is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of your blood. For anemia, your doctor will likely be interested in the levels of the red blood cells contained in your blood (hematocrit) and the hemoglobin in your blood.

2. Blood Smear Examination

The purpose of examining a blood smear is to check the size, shape, and number of

red blood cells, and the abnormal cells presence that might appear.

3. Reticulocyte Count

A reticulocyte count (retic count) measures the number of reticulocytes ( red blood cells that are still developing) in the blood. If the count is too high or too low, it can mean a serious health problem, including anemia and disorders of the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys.

4. Serum Iron test

A serum iron test measures how much iron is in your blood.

A total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test measures the blood's ability to attach itself to iron and transport it around the body. A transferrin test is similar.

5. Ferritin

A ferritin test helps your doctor understand how much iron your body stores.

6. Folic Acid Examination

This test is done to check for folic acid deficiency. Folic acid helps form red blood cells and produce DNA that stores genetic codes

7. Vitamin B12

A vitamin B-12 level test checks the amount of vitamin B-12 in the blood to gauge the body’s overall vitamin B-12 stores. Vitamin B-12 is necessary for essential body processes, including the production red blood cells.

8. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that measures different types of a protein called hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is used the evaluate the shape of red blood cells to help r doctor figure out any blood disorder and what type it is (e.g thalassemia or sickle cell anemia)

9. G6PD

A G6PD test is done to check levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. G6PD is an enzyme that helps red blood cells function correctly. Low G6PD can lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia. You may need a G6PD test if you have symptoms of hemolytic anemia, a blood condition that occurs when your red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced

10. Other supporting examinations:

* Ultrasound examination: to determine the presence of enlarged spleen

* Bone marrow biopsy

Author: Dr. Odilia Lustriana (medical consultant doctor of PRAMITA Clinic Lab Branch Jl. M. Toha No. 163 Bandung)