Final answer:
The assistant should immediately notify the provider if a patient has critically low hemoglobin levels. Additional tests will be necessary to determine the cause of the anemia, and treatment will depend on the specific type of anemia diagnosed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the results indicate a critically low level of hemoglobin, the assistant should notify the provider immediately. Low hemoglobin levels suggest anemia, which can lead to insufficient oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. After notification, additional tests such as haptoglobin levels (decreased in hemolysis) and the 'direct antiglobulin test' (Coombs' test) should be performed to determine the cause of the anemia. Treatment strategies should be recommended by the doctor based on the specific diagnosis, which may include supplementation if it's due to iron deficiency anemia, or other appropriate treatments for different types of anemia such as β-thalassemia or hemolytic anemia.