What Is Anemia?

Diagnosing Anemia

The most common way to diagnose anemia is a simple complete blood count, which measures components and features of blood, including the patient's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. It is a simple test with no preparation needed, just a little pin prick to provide a small blood sample. Doctors will be looking for information such as the patient's levels of iron and vitamin B12.

Aside from the use of a complete blood count test, doctors may also order chest X-rays, abdominal scans, an upper GI, and a barium enema when they are diagnosing anemia, particularly to narrow the severity and type.

Get the facts on how anemia is often treated next.