How to read an anemia test report
Oct 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, anemia test reports primarily focus on indicators such as red blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hematocrit, platelet count, and hemoglobin. Red blood cells are the main cells in the body responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. Red blood cell count is determined by microscopy or automated blood analyzers to measure the total number of red blood cells per unit volume of peripheral blood.
In general, when reviewing a blood test report for anemia, key indicators to focus on include red blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hematocrit, platelet count, and hemoglobin levels. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: Red blood cells are the primary cells responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. RBC count measures the total number of red blood cells per unit volume of peripheral blood, determined either by microscopy or automated blood analyzers. The normal RBC count range for adult males is 4.0–5.5 × 10¹²/L, and for adult females, it is 3.5–5.0 × 10¹²/L.
2. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): MCHC is the ratio of hemoglobin concentration to red blood cell volume (hematocrit) per liter of blood. The normal range for adults is 320–360 g/L, for children aged 1–3 years it is 280–350 g/L, and for newborns it is 250–370 g/L.
3. Hematocrit: Hematocrit represents the proportion of red blood cells that settle down relative to the total blood volume. The normal range for males is 0.40–0.50, and for females, it is 0.35–0.45.
4. Platelet Count: Platelet count refers to the number of platelets in the blood, with a normal range of 100–300 × 10⁹/L.
5. Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to organs and tissues throughout the body.
If any of these indicators fall below the normal ranges, anemia may be present. It is recommended to promptly identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
