Anemia in the elderly can be comprehensively determined by routine blood tests, peripheral blood smears and bone marrow examinations.
1. Blood test is the most routine test. The hemoglobin and red blood cell counts are used to determine the presence and severity of anemia, as well as the size of the red blood cell volume to further assist in determining the type of anemia.
2. A peripheral blood smear is performed to determine the number of cells and their specific morphology, as well as the presence or absence of abnormalities, which can help to assist in the diagnosis of the morphologic classification of anemia.
3. Bone marrow examination. A smear of the bone marrow cells can help to clarify the composition, proportions, and morphologic changes of the bone marrow cells. Bone marrow biopsy can help to understand the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow, and to clarify the structure, degree of proliferation, and cellular composition of the bone marrow tissue.
Anemia in the elderly is recommended to consult a doctor for further examination and treatment.