Evaluation of anemia

Preview

Technology has not only reduced the time required for evaluation of anemia but has also improved the accuracy of the data obtained. Evaluation begins with the red cell indexes, of which the mean corpuscular volume, measured directly, provides the most useful information for classification of anemia. The red cell distribution width is an important recent addition to evaluation, particularly in iron, vitamin B₁₂, and folic acid deficiencies. In this article, Dr Bergin guides the practitioner through a logical sequence of tests to elucidate the cause of this common hematologic abnormality.