Call
+918447748545

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.

Read Blog

Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs: Building Community-Centered Preventive Wellness in India

India is facing a growing burden of lifestyle-related health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease. According to ICMR and NFHS-5 data, dietary habits play a central role in the development and prevention of these conditions. While awareness around nutrition is increasing, sustaining healthy eating habits remains a challenge for many individuals.

The Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs is a community-driven initiative designed to address this gap. By bringing people together around nutritious food, shared learning and expert guidance, these potlucks transform healthy eating from an individual responsibility into a collective experience.

SecondMedic supports these events as part of its broader preventive healthcare mission, combining community engagement with medical expertise and digital health tools.

Why Community-Based Nutrition Initiatives Matter in India

1. Rising lifestyle disease burden

ICMR reports show that diet-related conditions account for a significant proportion of non-communicable diseases in India. Excess sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed foods are common contributors.

2. Nutrition knowledge gaps

NFHS-5 highlights widespread deficiencies in:

protein intake
micronutrients
dietary diversity

Community events help translate knowledge into practice.

3. Behaviour change is easier together

Research published in The Lancet suggests that group-based interventions are more effective in sustaining lifestyle changes than isolated efforts.

4. Cultural relevance of shared meals

Food is deeply social in Indian culture. Potlucks leverage this tradition to promote healthier choices without imposing rigid rules.

What Is the Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs?

The Monthly Healthy Potluck is a recurring wellness event hosted at designated Health Hubs. Participants bring healthy, home-prepared dishes and engage in guided discussions about nutrition, ingredients and portion balance.

The goal is not calorie counting, but mindful, informed eating that aligns with preventive health principles.

Key Components of the Healthy Potluck Program

1. Nutritious Home-Cooked Food

Participants are encouraged to prepare dishes using:

whole grains
seasonal vegetables
lean proteins
healthy fats
minimal added sugar and salt

This showcases practical, everyday meals rather than restrictive diets.

2. Nutrition Education in Simple Language

Dietitians and healthcare professionals explain:

why certain ingredients are beneficial
how portion sizes affect metabolism
ways to modify traditional recipes for better health

This bridges the gap between theory and daily cooking.

3. Peer Learning and Motivation

Participants learn from each other’s recipes, challenges and successes. This shared experience builds motivation and accountability.

4. Preventive Health Focus

Discussions link food choices to prevention of:

diabetes
heart disease
obesity
gut disorders
nutrient deficiencies

The emphasis is on long-term wellbeing, not short-term fixes.

Who Can Benefit from Monthly Healthy Potlucks?

Working professionals

Learn quick, balanced meal ideas suited for busy schedules.

Families

Encourage healthier eating habits for children and elders alike.

Seniors

Focus on nutrient-dense foods that support ageing and immunity.

Individuals with lifestyle conditions

Gain practical guidance for diabetes-friendly, heart-healthy or weight-conscious meals.

Health-conscious individuals

Build consistency and community support around wellness goals.

The Role of Health Hubs in Preventive Care

Health Hubs act as physical spaces where preventive healthcare becomes accessible and engaging. By hosting regular potlucks, these hubs move beyond diagnostics and consultations to address everyday behaviours that shape health outcomes.

SecondMedic integrates these community activities with:

preventive screening programs
nutrition consultations
AI Health Guide insights
digital health records

This ensures that learning from the potluck translates into measurable health improvements.

How AI Health Guide Enhances Community Nutrition Programs

SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide complements potluck initiatives by:

• Identifying common dietary gaps

Based on participant data and screening results.

• Personalising recommendations

Aligns food choices with individual health profiles.

• Tracking progress over time

Monitors changes in weight, glucose, cholesterol and energy levels.

• Supporting expert guidance

Provides data-backed insights for dietitians during discussions.

This blend of community engagement and technology strengthens preventive outcomes.

Benefits of Monthly Healthy Potlucks

1. Improved nutrition awareness

Participants gain clarity on healthy ingredients and cooking methods.

2. Sustainable behaviour change

Monthly repetition reinforces habits without overwhelm.

3. Reduced reliance on processed food

Exposure to simple, healthy recipes encourages home cooking.

4. Stronger community bonds

Shared goals foster trust, motivation and support.

5. Alignment with preventive healthcare

Nutrition becomes a proactive tool for disease prevention.

Long-Term Impact on Public Health

Community-driven initiatives like healthy potlucks can have a significant impact on public health outcomes. According to WHO and NITI Aayog, population-level dietary improvements are among the most cost-effective strategies for reducing non-communicable diseases.

By normalising healthy eating through social interaction, Monthly Healthy Potlucks contribute to:

reduced lifestyle disease risk
improved dietary diversity
greater health literacy

How SecondMedic Supports and Scales These Initiatives

SecondMedic plays a key role in ensuring that these events are structured, evidence-based and scalable by providing:

• Expert involvement

Dietitians and doctors guide discussions.

• Digital follow-up

Participants receive personalised insights post-event.

• Preventive health integration

Links potluck learnings with screenings and consultations.

• Community engagement tools

Newsletters, reminders and educational resources maintain momentum.

Conclusion

The Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs represents a powerful shift in how preventive healthcare is delivered in India. By combining community participation, nutrition education and expert guidance, these events make healthy eating practical, enjoyable and sustainable. Supported by SecondMedic’s preventive healthcare ecosystem, healthy potlucks transform everyday food choices into long-term wellness strategies.

7?? References

ICMR – Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Disease Prevention
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Health Indicators
NITI Aayog – Preventive Health and Community Wellness Reports
WHO – Community-Based Nutrition Interventions Guidelines
Lancet – Effectiveness of Group-Based Lifestyle Interventions
Statista – Nutrition Awareness and Preventive Health Trends India
EY-FICCI – Preventive Healthcare and Community Engagement Studies

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.