Health Check Results: Analyzing Anemia and Antibody Testing

Health Checkup Contents

Hello, doctor.
I have a female friend who just completed a health check-up, and the report is as follows: 31-year-old female, 172 cm, 66 kg; heart rate 53 beats per minute; Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) --> 73.7%; Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) --> 22.8 pg; fasting blood glucose 66 mg/dL; Hemoglobin (Hb) is 12 g/dL; platelet count (plt) 352; plateletcrit (pct) 0.283%; Hepatitis B screening test results are negative.
The health check-up center recommends additional screening for iron deficiency and beta-thalassemia or to go to a medical center for PCR testing for alpha-thalassemia, as well as antibody testing to determine if vaccination is needed.
May I ask the doctor: 1.
What do the values indicate regarding possible anemia? 2.
What antibodies are being tested in the antibody testing, and what vaccine might be administered? 3.
Additionally, what is the cellular oxidative stress detection system? Thank you in advance for your response.

Ruisui, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/07/02

Dr. Xie Wenjie reply Family Medicine

1.
The normal hemoglobin (HB) levels vary between genders, with a general reference value of HB:12 being sufficient for females.
However, the size of red blood cells affects their function; typically, an MCV (mean corpuscular volume) of less than 80 indicates that the cell volume is smaller than the normal reference range.
In Taiwan, an MCV of less than 80 is primarily associated with iron deficiency anemia (which can be confirmed through iron studies and ferritin levels) or thalassemia, which can be confirmed through electrophoresis (PCR).
Thalassemia is a hereditary condition, so further testing is necessary.

2.
A negative hepatitis B antigen indicates that the individual is not a carrier of hepatitis B.
To confirm whether antibodies are present to protect oneself, it is necessary to perform an HB3AB (hepatitis B antibody) test.
If the result is negative, it is recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine, which typically requires three doses.
3.
The "cellular oxidative stress detection system" is currently utilized within preventive medicine in health check-up systems to assess specific nutrients for health promotion and to delay or improve the progression of chronic degenerative diseases.
The testing primarily focuses on antioxidants, including fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins.

Reply Date: 2003/07/02

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your inquiry regarding your friend's health check results. Let's break down the findings and address your questions systematically.

1. Understanding Anemia Indicators:
Your friend's results indicate a few key values that suggest the possibility of anemia. The average blood volume (MCV) is reported at 73.7%, which is below the normal range (typically 80-100 fL for MCV). This low MCV can indicate microcytic anemia, commonly associated with iron deficiency or thalassemia. Additionally, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is at 22.8 pg, which is also lower than the normal range (typically 27-31 pg). These values suggest that the red blood cells are smaller and contain less hemoglobin than normal, which is characteristic of certain types of anemia.

The hemoglobin (Hb) level of 12 g/dL is on the lower end of the normal range for women (typically 12-16 g/dL), further supporting the possibility of anemia. The platelet count (plt) of 352 is within the normal range (150-450 x 10^9/L), which is a good sign as it indicates that the bone marrow is functioning adequately in producing platelets.

2. Antibody Testing:
The health check center has recommended further testing for iron deficiency and beta-thalassemia. The antibody tests mentioned likely refer to tests that check for specific antibodies related to infectious diseases or autoimmune conditions. For example, if there is a concern about hepatitis or other viral infections, the tests may check for antibodies against those viruses. If your friend is at risk for certain diseases, vaccination may be recommended based on the antibody test results. Common vaccines include those for hepatitis B, influenza, and others depending on the individual's health history and lifestyle.

3. Oxidative Stress Testing:
The term "cellular oxidative stress detection system" refers to tests that measure the levels of oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cellular damage. This testing can provide insights into how well the body is managing oxidative stress, which is linked to various health conditions, including chronic diseases and aging. High levels of oxidative stress can contribute to inflammation and may play a role in the development of conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

In summary, your friend's health check results suggest the possibility of anemia, particularly microcytic anemia, which may require further investigation into iron levels and potential thalassemia. The antibody tests will help determine if there are any infectious diseases or autoimmune conditions present, guiding vaccination decisions. Lastly, oxidative stress testing can provide valuable information about the body's overall health and its ability to combat oxidative damage.

It is essential for your friend to follow up with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss the next steps based on these findings. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your friend's health situation!

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