Anemia is defined as a decrease in the quantity of circulating red blood cells (RBC), represented by a

reduction in hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), or RBC count

WHO criteria for anemia 
Men: Hb < 13 g/dL
Women: Hb < 12 g/dL

Revised WHO/National Cancer Institute 

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Men: Hb < 14 g/dL
Women: Hb < 12 g/dL

American Society of Hematology 

Men: Hb < 13.5 g/dL
Women: Hb < 12 g/dL

Types of Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia from low levels of iron in your blood. Often, the cause is blood loss (most
commonly via heavy menstruation or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract).

Vitamin deficiency anemia due to low levels of vitamins C, B-12, or folate.

Aplastic anemia, which occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells.

Hemolytic anemia, a condition where the body destroys red blood cells prematurely.

Sickle cell anemia, an inherited disorder characterized by abnormal, crescent-shaped red blood cells.

Thalassemia, an inherited disorder where an abnormal form of hemoglobin destroys red blood cells
prematurely

Diagnostic evaluation

The diagnostic criterion for anemia is

 For men: Hemoglobin < 14 g/dL (140 g/L), hematocrit < 42% (< 0.42), or RBC < 4.5
million/mcL (< 4.5 × 10 12/L)
 For women: Hemoglobin < 12 g/dL (120 g/l), hematocrit < 37% (< 0.37), or RBC < 4
million/mcL (< 4 × 10 12/L)

Complete Blood Count (CBC) test

Peripheral smear

Hemoglobin electrophoresis. This test looks at the different types of hemoglobin in your blood.
The test can help diagnose the type of anemia you have.
 A reticulocyte count. normal range, 0.5 to 1.5%) or as the absolute reticulocyte count
(normal range, 50,000 to 150,000/mcL, or 50 to 150 × 10 9/L). test measures the number of
young red blood cells in your blood. The test shows whether your bone marrow is making red
blood cells at the correct rate.

Tests for the level of iron in your blood and body. These tests include serum iron and serum
ferritin tests. Transferrin level and total iron-binding capacity tests also measure iron levels.

Or imaging may be required for further diagnosis

Chest x-ray: Chest x-rays may rule out infection in anemia patients

General ultrasound: Ultrasound can find anemia-related problems without using radiation. These
problems may include an enlarged spleen or uterine fibroids. Doppler ultrasound can also detect
circulatory problems that suggest anemia in unborn babies.

Computed tomography (CT) - Abdomen and Pelvis: CT uses x-rays to image bones, internal organs,
and lymph nodes. It can show an enlarged spleen or certain types of lymph node anemia-related
problems. It also finds causes of bleeding, such as gastrointestinal malignancies.

Body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI finds bone and bone marrow disorders. It also can help
assess iron concentration in the heart, liver, and other organs. This is particularly useful in patients with
multiple blood transfusions and concern for iron overload. .

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