To measure anemia, we mainly check routine blood tests, including red blood cells, hemoglobin, average red blood cell volume, average cell hemoglobin, average cell hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and other indicators.
1. Red blood cell: it is the most commonly used indicator for checking anemia. The main reason for the decrease of red blood cell count is anemia, such as iron-deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, malnutritional anemia and so on.
2. Hemoglobin: it is the main component of red blood cells, and the clinical significance of its increase or decrease is basically the same as that of the increase or decrease of red blood cells.
3. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): the combination of these three items can be used to initially determine the cause of the anemia as well as to make differential diagnosis of the anemia.
For example, the increase is macrocytic anemia, mostly seen in vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency-induced anemia; the decrease is microcytic anemia, usually seen in iron-deficiency anemia, thalassemia and anemia caused by chronic diseases.
4. Hematocrit (Hct): It can be used to help determine the cause of anemia and differential diagnosis, and can also be used to determine whether there is a loss of plasma volume through the change of Hct.
If the results of routine blood tests are abnormal, it is recommended to consult a doctor in a timely manner to clarify the cause of the disease and to carry out targeted treatment or therapy with the help of the doctor.