Certain physical signslike pale skinmay provide clues that you have anemia.
Sometimes, the appearance of your RBCs under a microscope can help point to the cause of your anemia.
Once you are diagnosed with anemia, you may need further testing to identify the reason for your anemia.
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Specialized diagnostic studies can distinguish medical issues like low RBC production in your bone marrow or intestinal bleeding.
Common symptoms and signs of anemia include:
You may also see blood in your urine or stool.
Anemia can be dangerous for your health.
The signs of anemia can also signal other serious health issues.
If you detect any signs of anemia, be sure to see your healthcare provider for a full evaluation.
Most tests to diagnose anemia involve getting a blood sample.
Blood tests can also help to narrow down the bang out of anemia you may have.
Other lab tests can be used to identify the cause of your anemia.
It is a standard blood test, and you dont need any special preparation beforehand.
Blood is drawn from a vein for the test.
A low RBC count, low hemoglobin, or low hematocrit means you have anemia.
Large RBCs (macrocytic anemia) may indicatevitamin B12or folic acid deficiency orpernicious anemia.
Small RBCs (microcytic anemia) may indicate iron deficiency or bleeding.
Blood smear: A blood smear is a blood sample that is carefully examined under a microscope.
This evaluation can provide a description of your RBCs and may identify diseases such assickle cell anemia.
Sometimes a blood smear can identify issues such ashemolytic anemiadue to malaria infection or toxins.
Iron tests: Your healthcare provider may also order tests to assess iron levels in your body.
Too little iron in the body can causeiron-deficiency anemiaand other serious health conditions.
Iron tests include:
Similar to a CBC test, iron tests require a blood sample.
Your healthcare provider may ask you to not eat or drink anything except water for 12 hours beforehand.
(Tests that require fasting usually happen in the morning.)
Test results will indicate whether you have too much or too little iron in your body.
Most conditions that cause unusual iron levels are treatable.
Electrolyte levels: Severe kidney disease and systemic illnesses can lead to anemia.
Electrolyte levels can point to many medical illnesses that are associated with anemia.
Genetic tests: Some hereditary conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, can cause anemia.
Sometimes, these tests detect slow bleeds that are undetectable on imaging tests.
Your imaging tests would be tailored based on other clues in your physical examination and laboratory evaluation.
The anemia can begin even after you have been taking the medication for years.
Sometimes the cause isnt easy to determine, and the diagnostic process can take some time.
Once your anemia is diagnosed, you might start on the steps for treatment.
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MedlinePlus Medical Test.Iron tests.
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