Final answer:
Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare inherited blood disorder that affects the production of red blood cells, and it is typically diagnosed early in life. The diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes a medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and sometimes genetic testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare inherited blood disorder that affects the production of red blood cells. It is typically diagnosed early in life, usually in the first year or two after birth, but it can also be diagnosed in older children and adults. The diagnosis of DBA involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and sometimes genetic testing.
One of the key diagnostic criteria for DBA is the presence of a reduced number of red blood cells, called anemia. Other symptoms may include physical abnormalities, such as craniofacial abnormalities and skeletal malformations. Genetic testing can also be done to identify specific gene mutations associated with DBA.