How is anaemia diagnosed?

Diagnosing anaemia involves several laboratory tests that provide valuable insights for physicians. One of the primary tools is a blood smear, where a sample of blood is examined under a microscope. This allows the clinician to assess the shape, size and colour of red blood cells, identifying any abnormalities.

These confirmatory tests may also include a genetic study for certain hereditary disorders, biochemical determination of certain intracellular/extracellular chemical levels such as iron/folate, CT scan of the spleen for possible splenic disorders, bone marrow/lymph node biopsy for malignancies, etc. These features can offer critical clues, such as the presence of abnormal intracellular inclusions, parasites or other irregularities.

Based on these findings, additional tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause. These may include:

• Genetic testing: To detect hereditary disorders such as sickle cell anaemia or thalassemia.

• Biochemical tests: To measure levels of iron, folate, vitamin B12 and other chemicals within the cells and bloodstream.

• Imaging: A CT scan may be performed to evaluate the spleen, especially in cases where splenic disorders are suspected.
  

• Bone marrow or lymph node biopsy: These tests are used to investigate potential malignancies or bone marrow disorders.