The assessment of anemia in a clinical setting begins with careful history taking and a detailed physical examination. The patient’s medical history should include questions about history of anemia symptoms such as fatigue or malaise, bleeding (in particular, gastrointestinal or heavy menstrual bleeding), family history of genetic disorders, current medication use, living in or travel to malaria endemic areas or areas affected by other anemia-causing infectious diseases, and diet history.
Anemia prevalence in a population is determined by the percentage of individual cases below a recommended reference value of the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. The primary method for assessing anemia is through measuring hemoglobin and comparing the value to set thresholds based on age, sex, and physiological status (pregnancy, lactation, etc.).
Hemoglobin concentration in the blood is measured either by automated hematological analyzers or portable devices that use the principles of spectrophotometry like the HemoCue Hb device (HemoCue®, Angelholm, Sweden).The best practices for anemia assessment include use of venous (or potentially pooled capillary blood) for hemoglobin analysis by an automated analyzer or point-of-care Hemocue® device and adjusting hemoglobin concentration for altitude and smoking status using the age- and sex-specific and physiologically-validated cutoffs recommended by the World Health Organization.
Among other preanalytical factors (temperature and humidity of the environment, posture of the patient, specimen transport and storage, etc.), the mode of blood collection (venous or capillary, single-drop, or pooled capillary blood) affects hemoglobin measurements in different contexts. Discrepancies in the determination of hemoglobin concentrations could have a substantial effect on the estimation of anemia prevalence, especially in population surveys.
We found 43 resource(s)
Ethical and Human Rights Considerations Related to Access to Anemia Diagnosis
Journal Article published by Ann N Y Acad Sci in
Important disparities exist in anemia diagnosis globally. This paper examine individuals' and populations' access to anemia diagnosis, the accuracy of diagnostic tests, and the interpretation of test results through the lens of key ethical considerations that include the human right to health and the Rawlsian concept of the social…
Exploring Associations Between Water, Sanitation, and Anemia Through 47 Nationally Representative Demographic and Health Surveys
Journal Article published by Ann N Y Acad Sci in
This secondary data analysis from 47 Demographic and Health Surveys explores potential associations between unimproved water and sanitation and anemia in women and children.
Anemia in Bolivian Children: A Comparative Analysis Among Three Regions of Different Altitudes
Journal Article published by Ann N Y Acad Sci in
This paper analyzes four population-based demographic and health surveys conducted in Bolivia between 1998 and 2016 to understand trends in anemia in children from 6 to 59 months of age by selected sociodemographic characteristics and three categories of altitude: low, medium, and high.
Understanding Anemia: Guidance for Conducting a Landscape Analysis (November 2016)
Assessment Tool published by SPRING in
Understanding Anemia: Guidance for Conducting a Landscape Analysis is a tool that provides guidance to support data collection and analysis for understanding the anemia situation and supporting an evidence-based approach to anemia prevention and reduction. This tool is primarily directed at technical experts planning to carry out a landscape…
Six Key Actions to Reduce Anemia
Toolkit published by SPRING in
This brief describes country-led efforts to coordinate and implement anemia prevention and control, offering lessons learned to help other countries design the best possible solutions.
District Assessment Tool for Anemia (DATA)
Toolkit published by SPRING in
The District Assessment Tool for Anemia (DATA) is a generic toolkit that helps districts assess their current anemia situation. SPRING developed DATA to assist countries in strengthening anemia programming at the district level.
Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia Using Density-Based Fractionation of Red Blood Cells
Journal Article published by Lab on a Chip in
This article describes a low-cost and rapid method to diagnose iron deficiency anemia using aqueous multiphase systems—thermodynamically stable mixtures of biocompatible polymers and salt that spontaneously form discrete layers having sharp steps in density.
The Global Burden of Anemia
Literature Review published by Hematology/Oncology Clinics in
This article provides a framework for understanding the population-specific epidemiology and pathophysiology of anemia globally. The authors used the systematic approach of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors 2013 study to elucidate levels and trends of anemia-related disability. The study includes estimates of prevalence and…
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