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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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Signs Your Body Is Not Digesting Protein Properly

Protein is one of the most important macronutrients. It builds your muscles, supports your skin and hair, and helps in immune function. But what if your body isn’t breaking it down properly?

Let’s explore the key signs your body is not digesting protein properly, why this happens, and what you can do to fix it naturally.

What Happens During Protein Digestion?

When you eat protein (like eggs, meat, or legumes), your stomach produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin to begin digestion. Then, enzymes from your pancreas break proteins down into amino acids, which are absorbed by your small intestine.

If any part of this process is disrupted, your body may fail to get enough amino acids—even if you're eating enough protein.

Common Signs of Poor Protein Digestion

1. Bloating and Gas

If you regularly feel bloated or gassy after protein-rich meals, it may be due to undigested proteins fermenting in your gut. This can also lead to discomfort and smelly flatulence.

Tip: Try smaller meals and add ginger or apple cider vinegar before meals to aid digestion.

2. Muscle Weakness

Even with regular workouts, you may struggle to build or maintain muscle. This could mean you're not absorbing enough amino acids, which are vital for muscle repair and strength.

Tip: Check for zinc or B-vitamin deficiencies, which affect protein metabolism.

3. Hair Loss & Brittle Nails

Protein forms the base of keratin, which keeps your hair and nails strong. Poor digestion can result in thinning hair or slow nail growth.

Tip: Add biotin-rich foods and ensure your protein intake is paired with proper digestion support.

4. Fatigue and Low Energy

Amino acids help make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. If you’re not absorbing protein properly, you might feel tired, foggy, or depressed.

Tip: Add enzyme-rich foods like pineapple (bromelain) and papaya (papain) to your diet.

5. Foul-Smelling Stool or Undigested Food

Visible food in your stool or very foul-smelling bowel movements are signs that digestion is incomplete. You may also notice loose stools or diarrhea after eating protein.

Tip: Consider getting a stool test to check for fat or protein malabsorption.

Causes of Poor Protein Digestion

Low stomach acid (Hypochlorhydria)
Pancreatic enzyme deficiency
Gut inflammation (IBS, IBD, SIBO)
Liver or gallbladder issues
Aging (natural enzyme decline)
Zinc or B12 deficiency

Relevant Tests You Can Book from SecondMedic

You can check for underlying causes through:

Serum Total Protein Test
Serum Albumin Test
Stool analysis
Vitamin B12 / Zinc profile
Digestive enzyme panel

All these are available through SecondMedic.com, often with home collection via Thyrocare.

How to Improve Protein Digestion Naturally

1. Chew Your Food Thoroughly

Digestion begins in the mouth. Chewing helps enzymes break food down faster in the gut.

2. Eat in a Calm State

Stress affects stomach acid production. Eat slowly, without distractions.

3. Use Natural Digestive Aids

Ginger
Apple cider vinegar
Lemon water
Herbal teas (peppermint, chamomile)

4. Include Digestive Enzymes

Supplements with protease help in breaking down proteins. Look for broad-spectrum enzyme blends.

5. Optimize Gut Health

Add probiotics like yogurt or fermented foods (kimchi, kanji, kefir) to help nutrient absorption.

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms persist despite dietary changes, consult a gastroenterologist. Chronic protein malabsorption can lead to:

Nutrient deficiencies
Immune weakness
Muscle loss
Hair thinning

Early testing and treatment can prevent long-term health complications.

Conclusion

If you're experiencing bloating, fatigue, hair loss, or weak muscles—even with a protein-rich diet—your body might not be digesting protein properly. Identifying and addressing the root cause can improve your digestion, energy levels, and overall health.

Don’t ignore the signs your body is not digesting protein properly. Start by checking your symptoms, improving your diet, and booking the right lab tests through trusted platforms like SecondMedic.

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