Final answer:
The primary lab test to determine anemia is a complete blood count (CBC), which measures hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and mean corpuscle volume (MCV). Additional tests for specific types of anemia may include serum iron levels and a reticulocyte count. In certain cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be required.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lab Tests for Diagnosing Anemia
To determine whether Miss Smith has anemia, Dr. Jones can request several laboratory tests. The primary test for diagnosing anemia is a complete blood count (CBC), which measures various components of the blood, including hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count (RBC).
The hemoglobin content is crucial as it is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. A CBC also reports on the size and shape of red blood cells by providing the mean corpuscle volume (MCV). For specific types of anemia like iron deficiency anemia, serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) may also be assessed to determine iron levels in the blood.
Additionally, to discern if the anemia is due to increased destruction of red blood cells, such as in hemolytic anemia, a direct Coombs test might be used to detect antibodies attached to the surface of red blood cells. Tests for vitamin B12 and folate levels can diagnose anemias related to vitamin deficiencies, and a reticulocyte count can give insight into the bone marrow's production of new red blood cells. If an intrinsic problem within the bone marrow is suspected, a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary.
An accurate diagnosis often depends on a combination of blood tests that assess both the quantity and quality of red blood cells, as well as potential issues in hemoglobin production.