Anemia Definitions & Core Concepts
This hemoglobin value defines anemia in adult females.
What is <12 g/dL?
This lab value distinguishes underproduction from hemolysis by measuring bone marrow output.
What is the reticulocyte count?
This is the most common type of anemia overall and includes CKD‑related anemia.
What is anemia of chronic disease/inflammation?
This iron study is the most specific indicator of iron deficiency.
What is ferritin (low ferritin)?
This vitamin deficiency causes neurologic symptoms and macrocytosis.
What is vitamin B12 deficiency?
This is the most common cause of anemia in adults worldwide.
What is iron deficiency?
This test evaluates RBC morphology and can identify spherocytes, schistocytes, or target cells.
What is a peripheral blood smear?
This hormone is decreased in renal anemia.
What is erythropoietin?
This hereditary condition causes microcytosis with normal or high RBC count and normal iron studies.
What is thalassemia trait?
This GI condition prevents release of B12 from food due to lack of acid and pepsin.
What is gastric atrophy or gastrectomy?
This type of anemia is most common among hospitalized patients.
What is anemia of chronic inflammation?
This test detects immune‑mediated hemolysis by identifying antibodies on RBCs.
What is the direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test?
This condition causes anemia in 95% of ICU patients by day 3.
What is anemia of critical illness?
This type of anemia shows microcytosis and hypochromia on smear.
What is iron deficiency anemia?
This deficiency is common in chronic alcohol use and pregnancy.
What is folate deficiency?
This organ system is the most common source of occult blood loss leading to iron‑deficiency anemia in men.
What is the gastrointestinal tract?
This RBC index classifies anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.
What is the MCV?
This transfusion threshold is recommended for most non‑cardiac critically ill patients.
What is hemoglobin 7 g/dL?
This toxin disrupts heme synthesis and can cause microcytic anemia.
What is lead?
This bone marrow disorder often causes macrocytosis with pancytopenia.
What is myelodysplastic syndrome?
This condition must always be ruled out first when evaluating any new anemia.
What is acute blood loss?
A reticulocyte index greater than this value suggests hemolysis or blood loss.
What is >3%?
This age‑related condition causes anemia despite normal nutrition and renal function.
What is unexplained anemia of aging?
This lab marker is increased in both iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease.
What is zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) or free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP)?
This lab test differentiates B12 deficiency from folate deficiency when levels are borderline.
What is methylmalonic acid (MMA)?