What does an anemia profile show you?

An anemia profile is a series of blood tests used to determine the cause of anemia, a condition in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. The following are the tests included in an anemia profile:

Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells. A low hemoglobin count is the hallmark of anemia.

Hematocrit: The hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A low hematocrit indicates that there are fewer red blood cells than normal.

Red blood cell count: The red blood cell count measures the number of red blood cells in a sample of blood. A low red blood cell count indicates that there are fewer red blood cells than normal.

Mean corpuscular volume: The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of red blood cells. A low MCV indicates that the red blood cells are smaller than normal.

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin: The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. A low MCH indicates that the red blood cells are less saturated with hemoglobin than normal.

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration: The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measures the average concentration of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. A low MCHC indicates that the red blood cells are more dilute than normal.

Reticulocyte count: The reticulocyte count measures the percentage of immature red blood cells in the blood. A low reticulocyte count indicates that the bone marrow is not producing enough new red blood cells.

Iron: Iron is an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin. A low iron level can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is essential for the production of red blood cells. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia.

Folate: Folate is a vitamin that is essential for the production of red blood cells. A folate deficiency can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia.

Results: The findings of the anemia profile, when interpreted by a doctor, can provide valuable information about the underlying cause of the condition and helps in narrowing the diagnosis.