Anemia Testing in California

What this test is

Anemia testing is a series of blood tests designed to evaluate components related to red blood cells and hemoglobin. These tests can help determine if you have anemia, which is a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin.

What it measures

• Hemoglobin — reflects oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
• Hematocrit — indicates proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells
• Red Blood Cell Count — shows the number of red blood cells in the blood
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) — reflects the average size of red blood cells
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) — indicates average hemoglobin content per red blood cell
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) — shows average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells
• Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) — reflects variation in red blood cell size

What the test involves

Anemia testing typically involves a standard blood draw from a vein in your arm. The collected sample is then analyzed to assess various markers related to blood health.

Why it is often ordered

Clinicians generally order anemia testing when symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or pale skin are present. It helps in assessing the overall health of your blood and identifying potential deficiencies.

Preparation

Preparation for anemia testing may vary, so it's important to follow the specific instructions provided by the lab. Always check with the lab for any fasting or medication guidelines.

How results are reported

Results from anemia testing are reported in relation to the laboratory's reference ranges, which can vary. These ranges help determine if your levels are within a healthy range.

Before you go

• Check if fasting is required
• Verify sample collection method
• Confirm turnaround time