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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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Is Curd Good or Bad for Acidity?

Acidity is a common digestive issue in India—often triggered by spicy food, irregular meals, stress, or poor gut health. In such situations, curd is often suggested as a home remedy. But the big question is: Is curd good or bad for acidity?

Let’s dive into the facts, benefits, and precautions you should know.

What Makes Curd Special?

Curd is a fermented dairy product rich in probiotics—beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy digestive system. Unlike milk, curd is easier to digest and is often considered cooling for the stomach.

Why Curd Is Good for Acidity (for Most People)

1. Probiotics Balance Stomach Acid

Curd contains Lactobacillus bacteria which improve digestion and reduce bad bacteria that cause acidity.

2. Cools the Stomach

Curd has a soothing effect on the stomach lining and helps reduce inflammation caused by excess acid.

3. Prevents Acid Reflux

By improving digestion, curd reduces the time food stays in the stomach—lowering the chances of acid reflux.

4. Aids Gut Healing

If your acidity is due to poor gut flora, curd can restore balance and improve nutrient absorption.

When Curd Might Not Be Suitable

Curd may not suit everyone. Here are cases when curd may worsen acidity or cause discomfort:

1. Lactose Intolerance

If you’re sensitive to dairy, curd may cause gas, bloating, and worsen acid reflux symptoms.

2. Eating Curd at Night

Curd increases mucus production in some people. Eating it late at night might cause discomfort or cold-like symptoms.

3. Flavored or Sweetened Curd

Packaged or sweet curds often contain sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavors which can irritate the stomach lining.

4. Combining with Heavy Meals

Eating curd with non-digestible or spicy food can cancel out its benefits and lead to fermentation in the gut.

Best Time to Eat Curd for Acidity

With lunch – balances digestion
Mid-morning or early evening – good for snacks
Avoid late-night curd or with heavy dinners

How to Eat Curd for Maximum Benefit

Eat plain, unsweetened curd
Add jeera powder, black salt, or mint for better digestion
Use it in buttermilk or raita instead of plain form if acidity is frequent
Avoid eating it cold from the fridge—room temperature is best

Healthy Curd-Based Recipes for Acidity

1. Jeera Raita

Curd + roasted cumin powder + black salt – cools the stomach

2. Mint Buttermilk (Chaas)

Curd + water + mint + salt – aids digestion and reduces acidity

3. Lauki (bottle gourd) Raita

Curd + boiled lauki – light and cooling for the gut

When to Get Tested

If you suffer from chronic acidity, indigestion, or burning sensation even after diet changes, get tested for:

H. pylori infection
Liver issues
Food intolerances
Gastritis or ulcers

You can book these tests at SecondMedic.com with Thyrocare-backed labs and home collection.

Conclusion

So, is curd good or bad for acidity?
Yes, curd is generally good—thanks to its probiotics and cooling nature. But it must be eaten plain, in moderation, and at the right time of day.

If you have specific gut sensitivities or lactose issues, talk to a doctor before including curd in your diet regularly.

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