Diagnostic Evaluation of Anemia Based on Presumed Etiology

Laboratory Tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Peripheral Blood Smear

Anemia is a clinical condition characterized by a decreased red blood cell (RBC) count or hemoglobin level, leading to diminished oxygen transport capacity. The diagnostic evaluation of anemia is crucial for determining its etiology and guiding appropriate management.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

CBC is a primary laboratory test providing essential hematological parameters:

• Hemoglobin (Hb): Measures oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
• Hematocrit (Hct): Represents the proportion of RBCs in blood volume.
• Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Quantifies circulating erythrocytes.
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Determines RBC size, classifying anemia into microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) & Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Evaluates RBC hemoglobin content.
• Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): Assesses RBC size variation.

Peripheral Blood Smear

A microscopic analysis of stained blood smear provides morphological details of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets:

• RBC Morphology: Identification of abnormalities such as anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, and presence of target cells or schistocytes.
• White Blood Cells (WBCs): Helps assess leukocytosis, leukopenia, and presence of atypical cells.
• Platelet Count: Evaluates thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis.

Correlating CBC and Peripheral Smear Findings

The combination of CBC and peripheral smear analysis assists in diagnosing various types of anemia:

• Microcytic Anemia: Common in iron deficiency and thalassemia.
• Normocytic Anemia: Often associated with chronic disease, bone marrow disorders, or hemolysis.
• Macrocytic Anemia: Frequently linked to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Comprehensive laboratory evaluation aids in identifying the underlying cause of anemia, guiding appropriate treatment and management strategies.