Do you ever feel fatigued and exhausted all the time, regardless of how much sleep you get? It might be worth investigating further as this can be a sign of anemia. Anemia is a common condition that occurs when there are insufficient healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin in one’s body, causing oxygen to become depleted. The main cause of this is usually iron deficiency, which is needed for hemoglobin production. Detecting the symptoms early on is crucial for managing any potential issues related to your health. Here's everything you need to know about detecting anemia.
Diagnosis of Anemia
To identify anemia, your healthcare provider will probably inquire about your medical and family background, conduct a physical examination, and request blood tests, which are:
The assessment of blood cell count in a sample, performed through a Complete Blood Count (CBC), is integral to iron deficiency anemia diagnosis. In this context, the test evaluates the volume of red blood cells, termed hematocrit, and the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.
- Adult hemoglobin levels: 14-18 g/dL for men, 12-16 g/dL for women.
- Hematocrit values: 40% to 52% for men, 35% to 47% for women, may vary with medical standards.
The purpose of this test is to display the size, shape, and color characteristics of red blood cells.
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Other Anemia Diagnosis Tests
An anemia diagnosis may prompt the need for additional tests to pinpoint its cause. Occasionally, examining a bone marrow sample becomes essential for a thorough anemia diagnosis.
How to prepare for the appointment?
Consult your family doctor if you are troubled by persistent fatigue or other symptoms that raise concern. Depending on your symptoms, they may refer you to a specialist like a hematologist for blood disorders, a cardiologist for heart-related matters, or a gastroenterologist for digestive issues.
Conclusion
In summary, anemia can be detected by multiple methods. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and iron test, are the most common way of testing for anemia. But with all these potential diagnosis options open to you, it's best to speak with your doctor and be evaluated for anemia if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms associated with it. It's advisable to consider health insurance coverage to support the costs associated with anemia diagnosis and ongoing healthcare.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.