Systematic anemia diagnosis starts with a detailed history, exam & blood tests. Iron studies, B12/folate levels & other tests pinpoint the cause (iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, etc.) leading to targeted treatment & improved outcomes.
Red Blood Cells
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary hemochromatosis, an inherited disorder, disrupts iron absorption leading to excessive iron buildup in organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas. Early diagnosis through blood tests is crucial to prevent potential complications like cirrhosis, heart failure, and diabetes. Treatment focuses on iron reduction through phlebotomy and may prevent severe health consequences.
Sideroblastic Anemia
Sideroblastic anemia disrupts iron use in red blood cells. Caused by genetic mutations or factors like alcohol abuse, it’s diagnosed by analyzing bone marrow for ring sideroblasts, iron-laden structures.
Severe Malarial Anemia
Malaria, a mosquito-borne illness, can cause severe anemia (low red blood cells) leading to weakness & fatigue. While most malaria cases are mild, severe anemia requires prompt medical attention.
Preparation of Thick Blood Films for Parasites
Unveiling hidden threats! Learn the quick & easy technique for preparing thick blood smears to identify malaria, leishmaniasis & other blood parasites.
Jaundice (Hyperbilirubinemia)
Jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, is caused by hyperbilirubinemia, an abnormally high level of bilirubin in the blood. It can be a symptom of various liver or biliary tract diseases.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
ESR measures the sedimentation rate or the length red blood cells fall in a vertical tube over a period of time.
Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) Stain (Methylene Blue)
BCB or new methylene blue (NMB) stains are also known as supravital stains. These stains are commonly used to stain reticulocytes, Heinz bodies or H inclusions
Preparation of Peripheral Blood Smears
A drop of blood spread on a slide, reveals morphological abnormalities of the blood cells that can be viewed under the microscope.
CBC with Differential and Other Reference Ranges
Reference ranges like complete blood count (CBC) with differential are important because they provide a baseline for interpreting laboratory test results.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
G6PD deficiency is a common inherited blood disorder that can cause your red blood cells to break down when exposed to certain foods, drugs, or infections.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that causes red blood cells to be sickle-shaped and less flexible. This can lead to blockages in blood vessels, pain, and organ damage.