anemia standard numbers
When anemia is present (i.e., low RBCs, low hemoglobin, low hematocrit) and the bone marrow is responding appropriately to the demand for increased numbers of RBCs, then the bone marrow will produce more and allow for the early release of more immature RBCs, increasing the number of reticulocytes in the blood. What is hemoglobin? Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Hemoglobin is made up of four protein molecules (globulin chains) that are connected together. Anemia is the name applied to many different conditions that are all characterized by an abnormally low number of healthy red blood cells. There are many different causes and types of anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type, is usually treated with dietary changes and iron supplement pills. Other types of anemia, such as those associated with chronic diseases or cancer, may need more aggressive treatment. Preventing Iron Deficiency in Infants and Toddlers. Complete blood count (CBC). A CBC is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of your blood. For anemia your doctor will be interested in the levels of the red blood cells contained in the blood (hematocrit) and the hemoglobin in your blood. A reticulocyte test is used to determine the number and/or percentage of reticulocytes in the blood to help evaluate conditions that affect red blood cells (RBCs), such as anemia or bone marrow disorders. Reticulocytes are newly produced, relatively immature red blood cells. Anemia is usually classified based on the size of RBCs, as measured by the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Anemia can be microcytic (MCV typically less than 80 μm3 [80 fL]), normocytic (80 to 100 μm3 [80 to 100 fL]), or macrocytic (greater than 100 μm3 [100 fL]). Anemia is defined as a hemoglobin level of less than the 5th percentile for age. Causes vary by age. Most children with anemia are asymptomatic, and the condition is detected on screening laboratory evaluation. Screening is recommended only for high-risk children. Read more about the symptoms and causes of anemia ». Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. An estimated 20 percent of American children will have anemia at some point in their childhood.1 Anemia is defined as a hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration or red blood cell (RBC) mass less than the 5th percentile for age. To diagnose anemia, your doctor may ask you about your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and run the following tests: 1  Complete blood count (CBC). A CBC is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of your blood. 2  A test to determine the size and shape of your red blood cells.
Anemia can be microcytic (MCV typically less than 80 μm3 [80 fL]), normocytic (80 to 100 μm3 [80 to 100 fL]), or macrocytic (greater than 100 μm3 [100 fL]).