Anaemia

What is the World Health Organisation criteria for anaemia in adult males?

Haemoglobin less than 13 g/dL

What is the World Health Organisation criteria for anaemia in adult females?

Haemoglobin less 12 g/dL

Define haematocrit (also called packed cell volume)

Percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells

In adult males what haematocrit level is the threshold for anaemia?

Less than 40% (0.4)

In adult females what haematocrit level is the threshold for anaemia?

Less than 35% (0.35)

How is ferritin affected in iron deficiency anaemia?

Reduced

How is ferritin affected in anaemia of chronic disease?

Elevated

How is ferritin affected in chronic haemolysis?

Elevated

How is TIBC (total iron binding capacity) affected in iron deficiency?

Elevated

How is TIBC (total iron binding capacity) affected in anaemia of chronic disease?

Reduced

How is TIBC (total iron binding capacity) affected in chronic haemolysis?

Reduced

How are haemoglobin and haematocrit levels affected in pregnancy?

Relatively reduced – increased red cell mass but greater increase in plasma volume

How are haemoglobin and haematocrit levels affected by older age?

Reduced

What does reticulocyte count represent?

Rate of red blood cell production

How is reticulocyte count affected in anaemia?

Increased – normal bone marrow response