How is anemia determined in a laboratory setting?

In a laboratory setting, anemia is primarily assessed by measuring hemoglobin levels and hematocrit percentage. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body; therefore, low levels often indicate anemia, as there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen. Hematocrit percentage reflects the proportion of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells, and a low hematocrit can also point to anemia, indicating that the body has fewer red blood cells than normal.

By using both hemoglobin levels and hematocrit percentage, laboratories can provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's red blood cell status, which is crucial for diagnosing the type and severity of anemia. While platelet count is an important parameter in assessing other conditions, it does not directly indicate the presence or absence of anemia. Thus, the combination of hemoglobin levels and hematocrit percentage serves as the foundation for determining anemia in patients.