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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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Virtual Second Opinion Services India: Making Medical Decisions Safer, Smarter, and More Accurate

Healthcare decisions can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with serious diagnoses, complex treatment options, or long-term health conditions. In India, where diagnostic variability and specialist availability differ across regions, seeking a second medical opinion has become essential for clarity and confidence. Virtual second opinion services India allow patients to consult top specialists online, review diagnoses, validate reports, and confirm treatment plans without traveling long distances.

SecondMedic has emerged as a trusted platform for virtual second opinions, connecting users with experienced specialists across cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, nephrology, endocrinology, and other medical fields. These services empower patients with accurate information and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatments.

Why Second Opinions Are Becoming Important in India

According to WHO, nearly 20-30% of medical errors globally stem from misdiagnoses. In India, disparities in medical access and diagnostic quality can make it harder for patients to rely on a single opinion-especially for complex or high-risk conditions.

Patients seek second opinions for:

Cancer diagnosis
Cardiac issues (blockages, angioplasty recommendations)
Orthopedic surgeries
Neurological disorders
Kidney and liver conditions
Autoimmune diseases
Rare or chronic illnesses

A second opinion ensures that treatment decisions are well-informed and evidence-based.

How Virtual Second Opinion Services Work

Virtual second opinion platforms like SecondMedic make the process simple and accessible.

Steps include:

Uploading medical reports, scans, prescriptions, and lab results.
Selecting the specialty or condition.
AI tools help summarize and organize the case.
A specialist reviews the case in detail.
The patient receives a written report or video consultation explaining the recommendations.
Follow-up guidance is provided when needed.

This digital-first approach saves time and helps patients receive expert evaluations from anywhere in India.

Key Benefits of Virtual Second Opinions

1. Access to Top Specialists

Patients can connect with some of India's best doctors without needing to visit major metro hospitals.

2. Prevention of Misdiagnosis

A fresh review reduces the risk of incorrect or incomplete diagnoses.

3. Verification of Treatment Plans

Before committing to surgery or long-term therapy, patients receive reassurance and clarity.

4. Time and Cost Savings

Virtual reviews eliminate travel, long waiting lines, and high hospital consultation fees.

5. Emotional Confidence

Patients and families gain peace of mind through expert validation of medical decisions.

SecondMedic ensures case reviews are thorough, unbiased, and personalized.

Use Cases Where Second Opinions Make a Big Difference

Oncology

Cancer diagnoses often require multi-specialty inputs. Virtual tumor board reviews help patients choose the right treatment path.

Cardiology

Heart conditions like blockages, angioplasty recommendations, or arrhythmia management require accurate evaluations.

Orthopedics

Joint replacement or spine surgery recommendations often need second validation to avoid unnecessary procedures.

Neurology

Conditions like epilepsy, stroke, or movement disorders benefit from deeper case review.

Chronic Illnesses

Diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders require long-term management strategies.

Why Virtual Second Opinion Is Better Than In-Person for Many Patients

More specialist availability
Faster review times
Ability to compare multiple expert opinions
Digital access to consolidated medical records
Better accommodation of busy schedules
Suitable for rural patients with limited access to tertiary care hospitals

Digital second opinions remove geographic barriers completely.

The Role of Technology in Second Opinions

AI enhances the clarity and accuracy of second opinions by:

Pre-sorting medical documents
Highlighting abnormalities in lab results
Summarizing doctor notes
Identifying missing tests
Flagging potential medical risks

SecondMedic combines AI insights with top specialist expertise, resulting in stronger, data-backed recommendations.

Challenges in India’s Traditional Second Opinion System

Long wait times at major hospitals
Difficulty obtaining complete medical records
Travel to metro cities
Lack of specialized doctors in Tier 2/3 cities
Inconsistent diagnostic quality

Virtual second opinion services solve all of these pain points.

Future Outlook

Virtual medical reviews will continue growing with:

AI-powered case analysis
Integration with electronic health records (EHRs)
Multi-specialty collaborative boards
Predictive diagnostics
Global doctor networks

SecondMedic aims to lead this space by offering deeper, faster, and more accurate medical reassessments.

Conclusion

Virtual second opinion services India empower patients to make informed, safe, and confident healthcare decisions. By connecting users with top specialists and leveraging AI-driven insights, SecondMedic ensures that every major medical choice is backed by expertise and clarity. This is especially valuable for complex diagnoses, chronic conditions, and surgical recommendations.

To request a virtual second opinion, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

WHO - Misdiagnosis data and clinical errors
NITI Aayog - Digital health transformation reports
ABDM - Digital health records and interoperability
Statista - Telehealth adoption in India
Lancet & NEJM - Studies on second opinions
SecondMedic clinical team insights

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