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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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Only Health-Based Rewards: Why Wellness-Focused Incentives Drive Healthier Workplaces

Corporate rewards have traditionally focused on monetary incentives, gift cards or generic perks. However, organisations are increasingly realising that such rewards offer only short-lived motivation. Only health-based rewards, such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers, represent a more effective approach to corporate wellness by reinforcing healthy behaviours that deliver long-term benefits.

In India, where lifestyle diseases are rising rapidly among working professionals, aligning rewards with health outcomes is no longer optional.

What Are Health-Based Rewards?

Health-based rewards are incentives designed specifically to improve or support employee wellbeing.

They focus on:

physical health
mental wellbeing
preventive care
recovery and stress relief

Unlike cash incentives, they encourage repeated healthy actions.

Why Traditional Rewards Fall Short

Cash rewards and generic gifts:

provide temporary satisfaction
do not influence daily habits
fail to support long-term wellbeing

Behavioural studies show that incentives disconnected from health goals have limited preventive impact.

The Case for Only Health-Based Rewards

Health-based rewards directly reinforce behaviours such as:

regular physical activity
stress management
recovery and self-care
preventive health participation

WHO workplace health guidelines emphasise incentives that promote sustained behaviour change.

Types of Effective Health-Based Rewards

Massages and Recovery Therapies

Massage therapy:

reduces muscle tension
lowers stress hormones
improves circulation

Monthly or quarterly massage rewards support physical and mental recovery.

Gym Bags and Fitness Gear

Practical fitness accessories:

encourage regular workouts
reduce barriers to exercise
promote active lifestyles

Visible gear reinforces identity as a health-conscious individual.

Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers:

track steps, activity and sleep
create accountability
encourage daily movement

Data-driven feedback increases participation and motivation.

Psychological Impact of Health-Based Rewards

Health rewards create:

intrinsic motivation
positive habit reinforcement
long-term lifestyle shifts

Unlike cash, they associate rewards with self-care rather than consumption.

Impact on Employee Health Outcomes

Regular participation in wellness incentives leads to:

improved physical activity levels
reduced stress
better sleep patterns

ICMR data links activity-based interventions with lower lifestyle disease risk.

Benefits for Employers

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Preventive health rewards reduce chronic disease burden over time.

Improved Productivity

Healthy employees demonstrate:

better focus
fewer sick days
higher energy levels

Stronger Wellness Culture

Health-first rewards signal genuine organisational commitment.

EY-FICCI reports show preventive wellness programs deliver measurable ROI within 12–18 months.

Why Health-Based Rewards Work Better in India

Indian workplaces face:

long working hours
sedentary routines
high stress levels

Health rewards directly address these risks rather than ignoring them.

Aligning Rewards With Preventive Healthcare

Health-based rewards complement:

health screenings
fitness challenges
mental wellbeing programs

This integrated approach strengthens outcomes.

Avoiding Pitfalls in Reward Design

Effective programs:

avoid one-size-fits-all rewards
offer choice within health categories
ensure inclusivity

Poorly designed incentives reduce engagement.

Measuring Success of Health-Based Rewards

Success indicators include:

participation rates
health screening uptake
employee feedback
reduced absenteeism

Data-driven evaluation improves program effectiveness.

Long-Term Behaviour Change

Sustained wellness improvement requires:

consistency
reinforcement
meaningful incentives

Health-based rewards support gradual but lasting change.

Role of Leadership Support

Leadership participation:

increases credibility
boosts engagement
normalises wellness culture

When leaders embrace health rewards, employees follow.

Health-Based Rewards and Mental Wellbeing

Rewards such as massages and fitness trackers:

reduce burnout
improve mood
enhance resilience

Creating a Preventive Wellness Ecosystem

Only health-based rewards work best when combined with:

education
screenings
access to care

WHO emphasises integrated wellness ecosystems for maximum impact.

Conclusion

Only health-based rewards represent a strategic shift from short-term perks to long-term wellbeing investments. Incentives such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers actively promote healthy habits, reduce lifestyle disease risk and strengthen workplace wellness culture. By aligning rewards with preventive health goals, organisations create meaningful engagement, healthier employees and sustainable productivity gains. Health-focused incentives are not just rewards—they are tools for lasting wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Workplace Health Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion and Incentives
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Lifestyle Risk Factors
Lancet – Behavioural Incentives and Preventive Health Studies
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Reports
Statista – Employee Wellness Incentive Trends

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