How to Read an Anemia Profile

Hb low → Anemia Detected (Reduced oxygen carrying capacity. The cause must always be identified.)

MCV low → Microcytic Pattern (Common in iron deficiency, thalassemia, or chronic blood loss.)

MCV high → Macrocytic Pattern (Often seen in Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, alcoholism, liver disease, or hypothyroidism.)

MCV normal with Hb high → Normocytic Pattern (Common in chronic disease, kidney disease, or acute blood loss.)

Ferritin high → Iron Deficiency Pattern (Indicates depleted iron stores. May be related to poor nutrition, bleeding, or malabsorption.)

Ferritin normal or high with low Hb → Inflammatory or Chronic Disease Pattern (Common in infections, autoimmune disease, and chronic illness.)

RDW high→ Mixed Deficiency Pattern (Indicates variation in red blood cell size, often due to nutritional deficiencies.)

Reticulocyte Count high → Active Bone Marrow Response Pattern (Usually seen in blood loss or hemolysis.)

Reticulocyte Count low → Low Bone Marrow Production Pattern (May be due to nutritional deficiency, chronic disease, or marrow suppression.)

LDH high + Bilirubin high + Low Haptoglobin→Hemolysis Pattern (Indicates destruction of red blood cells faster than normal.)

Precision nutrition