Macrocytic Anemia
This vitamin deficiency causes neurologic symptoms and macrocytosis.
What is vitamin B12 deficiency?
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 test evaluates RBC morphology and can identify spherocytes, schistocytes, or target cells
What is a peripheral blood smear?
This is the first step in evaluating any patient with anemia
What is identifying acute blood loss?
This GI condition prevents release of B12 from food due to lack of acid and pepsin.
What is gastric atrophy or gastrectomy?
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 test detects immune‑mediated hemolysis by identifying antibodies on RBCs.
What is the direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test?
These four questions form the foundation of anemia evaluation. Name one.
What is “What is the severity of anemia?” (or MCV, reticulocyte count, isolated vs pancytopenia)
This deficiency is common in chronic alcohol use and pregnancy.
What is folate deficiency?
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 imaging modality is used to evaluate splenomegaly in suspected hemolysis.
What is an abdominal ultrasound?
This lab value distinguishes underproduction from hemolysis by measuring bone marrow output.
What is the reticulocyte count?
This bone marrow disorder often causes macrocytosis with pancytopenia.
What is myelodysplastic syndrome?
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?
The most common cause of anemia worldwide.
What is iron deficiency?
A reticulocyte index greater than this value suggests hemolysis or blood loss
What is >3%? or What is almost 5%.
This lab test differentiates B12 deficiency from folate deficiency when levels are borderline.
What is methylmalonic acid (MMA)?
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 is the most common cause of anemia in hospitalized patients.
What is anemia of chronic inflammation?
This demographic group has the highest anemia prevalence at 31.4%.
Who are Black non‑Hispanic females?