Severe Anemia: What to Expect from Your Blood Tests

Anemia-related issues

I recently went to a clinic for an employee health check-up, and I was diagnosed with severe anemia.
My hemoglobin level is 6.1, with normal platelet and white blood cell counts.
My hematocrit is 23.6, MCV is 46.9, MCH is 12.1, and MCHC is 25.8.
About three years ago, during a school health check, my hemoglobin was 6.4.
The doctor at the clinic told me that my condition is serious and recommended that I see a hematologist.
I was also advised to return in a month for another blood test, and there was a mention that based on the results, I might be referred to another specialist.
If I go back for the follow-up blood test and the doctor decides to refer me, will I have to undergo another blood draw at the new hospital? The process of drawing blood causes me significant psychological stress, so if I have to go through it again, I would prefer to go directly to the hematology department at the hospital for the blood tests.
Additionally, will my current values lead the doctor to require an immediate blood transfusion? Is it possible to recover from this condition by taking iron supplements gradually?

Amy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/13

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, it is advisable for you to take iron supplements for one month before visiting the hematology department for further examination.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2019/08/13

More Info

Severe anemia is a serious medical condition that requires careful evaluation and management. Your blood test results indicate a hemoglobin level of 6.1 g/dL, which is significantly below the normal range (typically 12-16 g/dL for women and 14-18 g/dL for men). This level of hemoglobin suggests that your body is not getting enough oxygen, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and even more severe complications if not addressed promptly.

The parameters you provided also indicate a very low hematocrit (23.6%) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 46.9, which suggests that your red blood cells are not only low in number but also potentially abnormally small. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values are also low, indicating that the red blood cells are not adequately filled with hemoglobin. These findings could suggest several underlying causes of anemia, including iron deficiency, chronic disease, or bone marrow disorders.

Regarding your concerns about follow-up blood tests and potential referrals to a hematologist, it is common practice for doctors to monitor anemia closely. If your primary care physician determines that your anemia is severe and requires further investigation, they may refer you to a hematologist. It is likely that the hematologist will want to repeat blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of your condition. While this may seem daunting, it is a necessary step to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

As for your question about blood transfusions, whether or not you will need a transfusion depends on your symptoms and the clinical judgment of your healthcare provider. In cases of severe anemia, especially with hemoglobin levels as low as yours, transfusions may be considered if you are experiencing significant symptoms or if your doctor believes that your anemia poses an immediate risk to your health. Blood transfusions can quickly raise hemoglobin levels and improve oxygen delivery to your tissues.

On the other hand, if your anemia is determined to be due to iron deficiency, your doctor may recommend iron supplements as a first-line treatment. Iron supplementation can help replenish your body's iron stores and improve hemoglobin levels over time, but it may take several weeks to months to see significant improvements. Your doctor will likely monitor your hemoglobin levels closely during this treatment to ensure that it is effective.

In summary, it is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations and attend any follow-up appointments. While the prospect of additional blood tests can be stressful, they are crucial for diagnosing the underlying cause of your anemia and determining the best treatment plan. If you have concerns about the process or the need for transfusions, do not hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with more personalized information based on your specific situation and help alleviate some of your anxiety regarding the testing and treatment process.

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