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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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common health problems during seasonal change

Seasonal changes bring relief from extreme weather, but they also pose unique challenges to human health. Transitions between summer, monsoon and winter often trigger a rise in illnesses. The body requires time to adapt to changing temperature, humidity and environmental conditions. During this adjustment period, immunity may weaken, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and other health problems.

Understanding common health problems during seasonal change helps individuals take preventive measures and seek timely care.

Why Seasonal Change Affects Health

Seasonal transitions impact the body in several ways:

sudden temperature fluctuations stress the immune system
humidity changes promote pathogen growth
allergens become more prevalent
lifestyle habits shift with weather

These factors collectively increase illness risk.

1. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are among the most common health problems during seasonal change.

Causes

viral and bacterial growth in changing weather
increased indoor crowding
weakened respiratory defences

Symptoms

cough
sore throat
fever
nasal congestion

Children and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable.

2. Common Cold and Flu

Seasonal transitions often coincide with cold and flu outbreaks.

Why They Increase

viruses survive longer in certain climates
immunity temporarily weakens
exposure increases during travel and gatherings

Symptoms

runny nose
sneezing
body aches
fatigue

3. Allergies

Seasonal allergies become prominent during weather shifts.

Common Triggers

pollen
dust
mould
air pollution

Symptoms

sneezing
itchy eyes
nasal congestion
throat irritation

Allergic symptoms can mimic infections and are often overlooked.

4. Digestive Problems

Digestive issues such as acidity, gas and indigestion are common during seasonal change.

Contributing Factors

altered eating patterns
contaminated food or water
reduced digestion efficiency

Symptoms

bloating
abdominal discomfort
nausea

5. Skin Problems

Changes in humidity and temperature affect skin health.

Common Issues

dryness
fungal infections
rashes

Poor skin barrier function increases infection risk.

6. Viral Fevers

Viral fevers are common during monsoon and post-monsoon periods.

Symptoms

sudden fever
body pain
headache
weakness

Early rest and hydration are essential.

7. Joint and Body Pain

Seasonal change may worsen joint stiffness and body aches, especially in individuals with arthritis.

Causes

cold weather
reduced physical activity
inflammation

Why Immunity Drops During Seasonal Change

Immunity may weaken due to:

temperature stress
vitamin deficiencies
poor sleep
increased stress

According to Indian Council of Medical Research data, immunity-related illnesses increase during transitional seasons.

Who Is Most at Risk?

High-risk groups include:

infants and children
elderly individuals
pregnant women
people with chronic diseases
individuals with low immunity

Extra care is required for these groups.
people with diabetes, heart disease,lung disease, kidney disease

Prevention of Seasonal Health Problems

Maintain Good Hygiene

Frequent handwashing reduces infection spread.

Support Immune Health

Balanced nutrition, hydration and adequate sleep strengthen immunity.

Stay Physically Active

Regular movement supports circulation and immune function.

Eat Fresh and Safe Food

Avoid stale or contaminated food during high-risk seasons.

Stay Vaccinated

Vaccination helps prevent seasonal flu and related complications.

Manage Allergens

Keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated.
mask use in crowded places, safe water, mosquito protection in monsoon.

Early Warning Signs Not to Ignore

Seek medical advice if experiencing:

persistent fever
breathing difficulty
severe weakness
worsening symptoms

Early intervention prevents complications.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive care focuses on:

early detection
risk reduction
long-term health protection

Seasonal health awareness is a key part of preventive medicine.

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Seasonal Illness

Repeated seasonal illnesses may lead to:

chronic respiratory problems
weakened immunity
reduced quality of life

Prevention protects long-term health.

Conclusion

Common health problems during seasonal change include respiratory infections, colds, allergies, digestive issues and viral fevers. These conditions arise due to sudden weather changes, weakened immunity and increased exposure to pathogens. By understanding the causes and symptoms and adopting preventive measures such as good hygiene, balanced nutrition, adequate rest and timely medical care, individuals can significantly reduce seasonal illness risk. Seasonal transitions are inevitable, but proactive health practices ensure smoother adaptation and better wellbeing throughout the year.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Seasonal Disease Surveillance Report
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Immunity and Morbidity Data
World Health Organization (WHO) – Seasonal Illness Prevention Guideline
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Climate Health Reports
Lancet – Climate Change and Seasonal Disease Patterns
Statista – Seasonal Illness Trends and Public Health Data

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