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Published on: Jul 29, 2021
2 minute read
By: Raj Dwivedi

What Tests Are Used To Manage Anemia And What Do They Mean?

The doctors use a number of tests to diagnose anemia. Hb (hemoglobin) is one of the key indicators used in diagnosis. A hemoglobin test is a blood test that measures how much hemoglobin you have in your red blood cells. A hemoglobin test is generally used for detecting:

In addition, a hemoglobin test can also be carried out to assess bone marrow's response to treatment, evaluate possible blood donation and check the levels of red blood cells in the body. There are certain conditions that may interfere with the results of the hemoglobin test. In such cases, it is recommended to get the test done again.

For the hemoglobin test, a sample of your blood is taken and tested in a clinical laboratory [read more about the process here]. The results are expressed as grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (g/dL) or micrograms per liter (mcg/L). Normal range for this test is 12g/dL - 18g/dL (12.1-18.0 g/L) for adults and 9g/dL - 13g/dL (9.0-13.3 g/L) for children. If the test result comes out to be less than 7 gm, it can indicate a serious condition known as severe anemia. In some cases, the doctors may order follow-up tests to assess the current condition of the patient.

Apart from the hemoglobin test, certain other blood tests can be used for detecting low RBCs (RBC count) or abnormal types of RBC (red cell indices) or hemoglobin (Hb). These include complete blood count tests, reticulocyte tests, iron tests, and red blood cell indices.

In some cases, the doctor may opt to do a bone marrow aspiration and exam to check for any abnormalities in the bone marrow cells. In such cases, it of red blood cells is karyotype to rule out chromosomal disorders.

The most common reason for having an inadequate number of red blood cells in the body is an iron deficiency or anemia. Iron plays a significant role in the production of hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of other parts of the body. Hence, people suffering from iron are known as sickle cell trait. The tests include:

Complete blood count test - The complete blood cell count (CBC) is a routine test that checks the different components of your blood like number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It also has information about the size and hemoglobin content in each of these cells. A CBC includes tests for the following:

Reticulocyte test - This is a blood test that measures the reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) in the bloodstream. A high level of reticulocytes can indicate increased production of red blood cells by the bone marrow to compensate for anemia, or destruction of very early stage RBCs which are still unable to mature.

Iron tests - Iron is an essential component for RBC production. A test to assess the iron level in your blood is called a serum ferritin test, which measures the amount of iron stored in the body's cells and tissues. Another way to evaluate low iron levels is by carrying out a transferrin saturation test. In this case, the lab technician will extract serum from your blood sample and measure the amount of transferrin protein present in it. Transferrin is a protein that carries iron to the bone marrow where red blood cells are produced. Thus, if there is an insufficient amount of transferrin protein present in the serum, it shows that there is an inadequate level of stored iron.

Hemoglobin tests - A hemoglobin test is generally carried out to detect anemia, especially if the result of CBC tests are inconclusive. During this test, a small sample of blood is collected from your vein and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells.

Red cell indices - Red cell indices are tests that measure the size and hemoglobin content of the red blood cells. The values obtained from these tests can be used to detect anemia and other blood disorders.

Karyotype test - It is a lab test used to evaluate chromosomal abnormalities in red blood cells or bone marrow cells

Low blood cell counts also have other causes, such as infections or tumors. In some cases, low blood cells may indicate a more serious condition like bone marrow failure which requires immediate medical intervention to save the patient from death.

Thus, if you are suffering from any of these conditions and symptoms and suspect that you may be anemic, check with your doctor for the necessary tests to confirm or rule out your suspicions. Early detection and treatment of anemia can save you from serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, etc.

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Women’s Digital Health India: How SecondMedic Is Empowering Women Through Technology and Preventive Care

Healthcare is entering a new era - and women are at its forefront.
From reproductive care to mental wellness, digital healthcare platforms are giving women the freedom to manage their health on their terms.

Leading this revolution in India is SecondMedic, a platform that combines AI, telemedicine, and preventive health analytics to redefine women’s digital healthcare.

Why Women’s Digital Health Matters in India

Women’s health in India has long been underserved - especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Limited access to specialists, lack of awareness, and cultural barriers have often delayed care.

According to NITI Aayog (2024), only 37% of Indian women receive timely preventive health screenings, while mental health and reproductive issues remain underdiagnosed.

Digital health platforms like SecondMedic are closing these gaps by providing affordable, private, and continuous care through mobile apps and teleconsultations.

How SecondMedic Is Revolutionizing Women’s Digital Health

1. Reproductive and Fertility Care

AI-based menstrual and fertility tracking helps women monitor cycles, predict ovulation, and understand hormonal health.
SecondMedic’s digital gynecology consultations provide expert guidance on PCOS, endometriosis, pregnancy planning, and menopause - all from home.

2. Mental and Emotional Wellness

SecondMedic integrates mental wellness tools designed specifically for women.
Users can access AI-guided stress tracking, therapy sessions, and mindfulness programs addressing anxiety, postpartum depression, and work-life balance.

3. Preventive Health Screenings

With AI analytics and digital diagnostics, the platform identifies early signs of diseases like thyroid imbalance, anemia, diabetes, and heart risk, providing actionable insights for timely intervention.

4. Virtual Gynecology & Nutrition Support

Women can consult gynecologists, dietitians, and endocrinologists through secure video sessions. Personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance enhance hormonal balance and reproductive health.

5. Maternal & Postnatal Care

Digital prenatal monitoring ensures safer pregnancies through scheduled check-ins, symptom logs, and remote fetal health updates.
Postpartum mothers can access lactation and emotional support digitally - ensuring continuity of care.

Technology Behind the Platform

SecondMedic’s digital health ecosystem combines:

AI Predictive Models - Detect risk patterns early through data analytics.
Blockchain Data Security - Protect sensitive women’s health data from unauthorized access.
ABDM Integration - Seamless interoperability with India’s national digital health framework.
Multilingual Interface - Accessibility for women across urban and rural India.

This combination ensures care that is smart, inclusive, and secure.

Women’s Digital Health: Market Growth in India

The women’s digital healthcare market is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India.
According to IMARC Group (2025), the market is projected to surpass USD 1.2 billion by 2028, fueled by smartphone adoption, telemedicine expansion, and the rise of AI in healthcare.

Government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and National Health Policy 2024 are encouraging digital innovation in women’s preventive and reproductive health.

Breaking Barriers: Rural Women and Digital Access

India’s rural women are now accessing digital healthcare like never before.
With the spread of BharatNet broadband and affordable smartphones, SecondMedic has expanded its reach through rural telehealth kiosks and community wellness partnerships.

This ensures that women in remote villages can connect with gynecologists and mental health counselors - without travel or stigma.

Benefits of Women’s Digital Health with SecondMedic

Personalized Health Insights - AI understands each woman’s unique health profile.
Accessible Expert Care - Online specialists across gynecology, mental health, and fitness.
Privacy & Comfort - Confidential, home-based consultations.
Preventive Health Tracking - Detect risks early through smart dashboards.
Empowerment Through Education - Digital content on reproductive and emotional wellness.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite rapid growth, challenges include digital literacy, affordability, and cultural hesitation.
However, SecondMedic’s women-centric design - multilingual support, secure data handling, and doctor-led education - is overcoming these barriers effectively.

The opportunity ahead is massive:
By 2030, one in three healthcare interactions in India will be digital, and women’s health will drive much of that growth.

The Future: AI and Women’s Preventive Health

AI’s role in women’s health will continue to expand.
From predicting gestational diabetes to monitoring hormone cycles, AI empowers women to take control of their health before symptoms even appear.

SecondMedic is working toward AI-based preventive health passports - digital profiles that track reproductive, mental, and physical well-being across all life stages.

Conclusion

Women’s health is the cornerstone of a healthy nation.
Through its digital ecosystem, SecondMedic is ensuring that every woman - from cities to villages - has access to personalized, preventive, and compassionate care.

Technology may power it, but empathy drives it.
Together, they’re redefining women’s wellness for a new digital era.

Experience women’s digital healthcare with www.secondmedic.com

References

NITI Aayog - National Health Policy Report 2024
IMARC Group - Women’s Digital Health Market India 2025-2028
ABDM - Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission - https://abdm.gov.in
FICCI-EY - Women’s Health and Tech Report India 2024

Statista - Digital Healthcare Adoption by Women in India 2025

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