What are the causes of low hematocrit in blood. How does low hematocrit affect the body. What are the symptoms of low hematocrit. How is low hematocrit diagnosed and treated. When should you seek medical attention for low hematocrit.

What is Hematocrit and Why is it Important?

Hematocrit is a crucial blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in your total blood volume. This measurement provides valuable insights into your overall health and can indicate various medical conditions. But what exactly does hematocrit tell us about our bodies?

Hematocrit levels are closely linked to the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your body. When your hematocrit is low, it means you have fewer red blood cells, which can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to your tissues and organs.

Normal Hematocrit Ranges

Normal hematocrit levels vary depending on age and gender. For adult men, the typical range is between 41% and 50%, while for adult women, it’s between 36% and 44%. Children and infants have different normal ranges, which change as they grow. It’s essential to interpret hematocrit results in conjunction with other blood tests and clinical findings.

Causes of Low Hematocrit: Unraveling the Mystery

Low hematocrit, also known as anemia, can stem from various factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some common reasons for low hematocrit:

• Blood loss (acute or chronic)
• Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, folate)
• Bone marrow disorders
• Chronic diseases (kidney disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells)
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications

Each of these causes can impact your body’s ability to produce or maintain a healthy number of red blood cells. For example, iron deficiency anemia, one of the most common types, occurs when your body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin. This can result from poor dietary intake, malabsorption issues, or chronic blood loss.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Low Hematocrit

Low hematocrit can manifest in various ways, affecting multiple body systems. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment. Common signs of low hematocrit include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Pale skin
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Cold hands and feet
• Chest pain
• Headaches

These symptoms occur because your body is not receiving enough oxygen due to the reduced number of red blood cells. The severity of symptoms often correlates with the degree of anemia. Mild cases may be asymptomatic or cause only slight fatigue, while severe anemia can lead to significant health complications.

How Low Hematocrit Affects Your Daily Life

Low hematocrit can significantly impact your quality of life. People with anemia often experience decreased energy levels, making it challenging to perform daily activities. This fatigue can affect work performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. Additionally, the reduced oxygen supply to the brain may lead to difficulty concentrating and memory issues.

Diagnosing Low Hematocrit: Beyond the Numbers

Diagnosing low hematocrit involves more than just a single blood test. Healthcare providers use a combination of methods to determine the underlying cause and severity of the condition. The diagnostic process typically includes:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): This comprehensive blood test measures various components of your blood, including hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count.
2. Physical examination: Your doctor will assess your overall health, looking for signs of anemia such as pale skin or rapid heartbeat.
3. Medical history review: Understanding your medical background, including any chronic conditions or recent illnesses, can provide valuable clues.
4. Additional blood tests: Depending on the suspected cause, your doctor may order tests for iron levels, vitamin B12, folate, or other factors.
5. Bone marrow biopsy: In some cases, examining a sample of bone marrow may be necessary to diagnose certain blood disorders.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will consider all these factors to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Treatment Options for Low Hematocrit: Restoring Balance

Treating low hematocrit depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. The primary goal is to increase the number of healthy red blood cells and address any contributing factors. Common treatment approaches include:

• Iron supplementation: For iron deficiency anemia, oral or intravenous iron supplements can help replenish iron stores.
• Vitamin B12 injections: If a B12 deficiency is the cause, regular injections may be necessary.
• Folic acid supplements: For folate deficiency anemia, oral supplements can help boost red blood cell production.
• Blood transfusions: In severe cases or acute blood loss, transfusions may be required to quickly increase red blood cell count.
• Medications: Certain drugs can stimulate red blood cell production or treat underlying conditions contributing to anemia.
• Dietary changes: Incorporating iron-rich foods and foods that enhance iron absorption can support treatment.
• Treatment of underlying conditions: Addressing chronic diseases or infections that contribute to low hematocrit is essential for long-term management.

Your healthcare provider will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and the cause of your low hematocrit. It’s crucial to follow this plan closely and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Low Hematocrit

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in managing low hematocrit, especially when it’s caused by nutritional deficiencies. Consuming a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate can support red blood cell production. Some beneficial foods include:

• Lean meats (beef, pork, lamb)
• Poultry
• Fish
• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale)
• Legumes (beans, lentils)
• Fortified cereals
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds

Additionally, consuming vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron-rich foods can enhance iron absorption. Your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian can help you develop a meal plan tailored to your specific needs.

Preventing Low Hematocrit: Proactive Measures for Optimal Health

While not all cases of low hematocrit are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain healthy red blood cell levels. Preventive measures include:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate
• Staying hydrated
• Managing chronic health conditions
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking
• Regular exercise (with your doctor’s approval)
• Getting regular check-ups and blood tests

By incorporating these habits into your lifestyle, you can support your body’s ability to produce and maintain healthy red blood cells. However, it’s important to note that some factors contributing to low hematocrit, such as genetic conditions or certain chronic diseases, may not be preventable through lifestyle changes alone.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Low Hematocrit

Recognizing when to seek medical help for low hematocrit is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring timely treatment. You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe fatigue that interferes with daily activities
• Shortness of breath, especially at rest
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent cold hands and feet

Additionally, if you have a known risk factor for anemia, such as a chronic health condition or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential. They can monitor your hematocrit levels and address any concerns before they become severe.

Emergency Situations

In some cases, low hematocrit can lead to life-threatening complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Signs of internal bleeding (such as dark, tarry stools or vomiting blood)

These symptoms may indicate a severe drop in hematocrit levels or complications related to anemia, requiring urgent medical intervention.

Living with Low Hematocrit: Strategies for Daily Management

Managing low hematocrit requires a multifaceted approach that extends beyond medical treatment. Implementing strategies to cope with symptoms and maintain overall health can significantly improve your quality of life. Here are some tips for daily management:

1. Pace yourself: Conserve energy by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable portions and taking frequent breaks.
2. Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help combat fatigue.
3. Stay active: Engage in light exercise as approved by your doctor to improve cardiovascular health and energy levels.
4. Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
5. Maintain a consistent meal schedule: Eating regular, balanced meals can help stabilize energy levels throughout the day.
6. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports overall health and can help alleviate some symptoms of anemia.
7. Use assistive devices: If dizziness is a concern, consider using handrails or a walking stick for added stability.

Remember, everyone’s experience with low hematocrit is unique. Work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a management plan tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.

The Importance of Emotional Support

Living with low hematocrit can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and concerns with others who understand can provide valuable emotional relief and practical advice for managing your condition.

Future Perspectives: Advances in Low Hematocrit Research and Treatment

The field of hematology is constantly evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and management of low hematocrit conditions. Some promising areas of development include:

• Gene therapy for inherited blood disorders
• Novel iron formulations for more effective supplementation
• Advanced diagnostic tools for earlier detection of anemia
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles
• Stem cell therapies for bone marrow disorders

These advancements offer hope for more targeted and effective treatments in the future. As research progresses, individuals with low hematocrit may have access to improved therapies and management strategies, potentially leading to better outcomes and quality of life.

Participating in Clinical Trials

For those interested in contributing to the advancement of low hematocrit research, participating in clinical trials can be a valuable option. Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to the development of new therapies. However, it’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before enrolling in any research study.

As we continue to unravel the complexities of low hematocrit and its impact on health, the future holds promise for improved understanding, management, and treatment of this condition. By staying informed about the latest developments and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with low hematocrit can look forward to increasingly effective and personalized care options.

Nursing diagnoses: CBC

Lab test result	Nursing diagnoses	Nursing Process
Elevated RBC Count	Potential for injury related to potential formation of venous thrombi	A patient with polycythemia has an increased risk of venous thrombosis, as his/her blood is more viscous. It is important to maintain adequate hydration. Keeping a patient with a high RBC count dehydrated, such as being NPO for an extended time, may increase risk of venous thrombosis formation. The nurse should consult the physician regarding how much fluid to give patients with chronic lung disease or children with congenital heart defects, as these individuals often have congestive heart failure and are at risk when they are overhydrated.
Decreased hematocrit	Potential activity intolerance related to loss of red blood cells	The nurse should carefully assess the patient with a low hematocrit for his/her ability to tolerate physical activity. After blood loss, plasma volume is usually replaced within several hours. As a result, the patient with a low hematocrit caused by hemorrhage may have a normal blood pressure. If there is not enough fluid to shift from the interstitial and intracellular spaces into the vascular space, the blood pressure will fall and the patient will show signs of shock. If the blood loss is not severe enough to produce shock-like symptoms, the pulse rate can indicate how the patient responds to increased activity. Using the “tilt test”, the nurse takes the patient’s pulse before and after sitting up. If the pulse rises rapidly, the patient has a high potential for activity intolerance and activities should be increased gradually. When the hematocrit is under 30%, the patient’s pulse may be rapid with no activity. The nurse should assess the extent of the patient’s weakness and fatigue on exertion when planning physical care activities. For example, the patient may have a bath followed by a rest period before ambulating.
	Alteration in nutritional requirements	The patient with a low hematocrit needs increased amounts of protein and iron to help the bone marrow produce additional red blood cells. The nurse can encourage the patient to eat foods that are high in protein and iron, such as liver, egg yolk, beef, and dried fruits such as prunes and apricots. If needed, the nurse should consult with a dietician for assistance in helping the patient with meal planning.
	Knowledge deficit related to use of iron supplements	When a patient is severely anemic, he or she may also take iron supplements to help build red blood cell mass. The nurse can help the patient obtain maximum benefit by teaching when to take iron supplements and what substances interfere with iron absorption. For example, the patient should avoid taking iron supplements and antacids at the same time because iron is less soluble in an alkaline medium. Commonly prescribed drugs such as anti-cholesterol medications and antibiotics such as tetracycline also impair iron absorption. The nurse can consult with both the pharmacist and the dietician to develop an appropriate plan for patient teaching.
Decreased neutrophil count	High risk for infection	Patients with a neutrophil count of less than 2,000 are at high risk of developing serious infections and those with agranulocytosis (a neutrophil count less than 500) are at a life-threatening risk of developing a fatal sepsis. The nurse should carefully monitor the white blood cell count to watch for downward trends and the patient should be carefully assessed for any signs of infection. Until the mid-1980’s, neutropenic patients were placed in reverse isolation. Newer protocols recommended by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) emphasize strict handwashing as the most significant means of protecting a neutropenic patient from infection. Exposure to people with upper respiratory infections or other infectious diseases should be eliminated. It is important for the patient to have excellent personal hygiene and the patient’s environment must be controlled to eliminate potential bacterial sources of infection. Potential sources of infection include stagnant water and diets that contain fresh fruit or raw vegetables. Any procedure that might cause a break in the skin, such as intravenous or intramuscular injections, medications given by suppository, rectal temperatures or enemas, increase the risk of infection in a neutropenic patient.
	Potential for injury related to drugs causing neutropenia	When a patient is severely neutropenic, the nurse has a critical role in protecting the patient from drugs that cause further neutropenia. The nurse should consult with the patient’s physician about which drugs should be withheld if the patient’s neutrophil count drops below an established absolute number.
Decreased platelet count	High risk for injury related to increased potential for bleeding	Teaching patients how to decrease their risk for bleeding is a critical nursing function. Suggested topics for patient teaching include: Before obtaining any prescription or over-the-counter drug, inform the pharmacist about a low platelet count. Avoid any type of contact sport or strenuous exercise that can cause injury. Use a soft bristle toothbrush. Check with the doctor before having any dental procedure. Take particular care when working with scissors, knives, or other sharp objects. If a cut occurs, clean the area and apply firm pressure with a clean cloth for at least five minutes. Prevent constipation by increasing dietary fiber and consuming adequate fluids; a stool softener may be needed. Avoid rectal suppositories or enemas for constipation and do not use a rectal thermometer. Do not take medications containing aspirin. Use an electric razor rather than razor blades when the platelet count is low. If the patient is hospitalized, the nurse should implement measures to prevent an accidental fall that may cause potentially fatal bleeding. Use of needles and invasive procedures should be minimized.
Elevated Hemoglobin A-1-C	Knowledge deficit related to diabetic control	Hemoglobin A-1-C is used to assess diabetic control over a period of time. A value exceeding 8% indicates poor diabetic control. The nurse should assess the diabetic patient’s knowledge level regarding diabetes management and assist the patient with problem solving to improve glycemic control.

Full Blood Count (FBC)

Notes

• Full blood counts are performed on automated equipment and provide haemoglobin concentration, red cell indices, white cell count (with a differential count) and platelet count.
• The presence of abnormal white cell and red cell morphology is flagged by the analysers.
• Blood films may be inspected to confirm and interpret abnormalities identified by the cell counter, or to look for certain specific haematological abnormalities.
• Grossly abnormal FBC results and abnormal blood films will be phoned through to the requestor.
• There is no need to request a blood film to obtain a differential white count. It is, however, important that clinical details are provided to allow the laboratory to decide whether a blood film, in addition to the automated analysis, is required.
• Under some circumstances a differential is not routinely performed, e.g. pre-op, post-op, antenatal and postnatal requests.
• Full Blood Counts are performed at CGH and GRH
• See also: Reticulocyte Count

The FBC comprises the following tests

Standard

• Haemoglobin (Hb)
• White Blood Count (WBC)
• Platelet Count (Plt)
• Red Cell Count (RBC)
• Haematocrit (HCT)
• Mean Cell Volume – Red cell (MCV)
• Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH)

Differential White Cell Count (where applicable)

• Neutrophils
• Lymphocytes
• Monocytes
• Eosinophils
• Basophils

And if appropriate

• Blood Film

Sample Requirements

2ml or 4ml EDTA sample or a Paediatric 1ml EDTA sample.

Sample Storage and Retention

• Pre analysis storage: do not store, send to laboratory within 4 hours.
• Sample retention by lab: EDTA samples are retained for a minimum of 48 hours at 2-10°C
• Transport of samples may affect sample viability, i.e. FBC results will degenerate if exposed to high temperatures, such as prolonged transportation in a hot car in summer.

This test can be added on to a previous request as long as there is sufficient sample remaining and the sample is less than 24 hours old.

Turnaround Times

• Clinical emergency: 30 mins
• Other urgent sample: 60 mins
• Routine: within 2 hours

Reference Ranges

If references ranges are required for paediatric patients please contact the laboratory for these.

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Ferritin: low, high, normal, preparations.

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Find out what level is normal

Normal ferritin levels

Causes of low ferritin levels

Online survey about symptoms of iron deficiency

What is ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein that creates the necessary reserves of iron in our body. In other words, this is a depot of iron, which, when a need arises in the body, releases this microelement, for example, for the appearance of significant blood cells – erythrocytes.

Low ferritin level is a sign of iron deficiency, high level may indicate various inflammatory processes ³ .

To optimize the
iron metabolism in our body, it is very important to maintain a normal level of ferritin

Normal ferritin

The normal range for plasma or serum ferritin is approximately 30 to 300 ng/mL (mcg/L).

The value of ferritin in various conditions

Normal
state

Ferritin level

30 – 300mcg/l

Latent (hidden) iron deficiency

Ferritin level

<30 µg/l

Iron-deficiency anemia

Ferritin level

Latent iron deficiency

A decrease in ferritin levels can lead to latent iron deficiency, which is characterized by a lack of iron in body tissues and a decrease in iron stores in the depot with a normal level of hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein.

Ferritin level =120 g/l (pregnant women 110 g/l)

Due to the fact that the primary study is a complete blood count, which includes the determination of hemoglobin levels, but does not reveal the value of ferritin, there is a problem of underdiagnosis of latent iron deficiency. A patient, having passed a general blood test, can get a result with an acceptable hemoglobin value, and at the same time the iron stores in his body will be depleted, and the person may not even be aware of it.

Iron deficiency anemia

Latent iron deficiency often leads to iron deficiency anemia, a pathological condition in which the hemoglobin level and/or the number of red blood cells decreases, resulting in a decrease in oxygen supply to tissues.

Ferritin level

Thus, in order to maintain a healthy level of iron in the body, it is necessary to monitor not only the level of hemoglobin, but also the level of ferritin.

Video

Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia

Evgenia V. Shikh Sechenov of the Ministry of Health of Russia.

Causes and symptoms of low ferritin levels

Low ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency, often resulting from insufficient dietary iron intake.

This is especially true for people who exclude meat from their diet (vegetarians or vegans). In addition, there are other causes of low ferritin levels:

• chronic blood loss in the body (gastric ulcers, hiatal hernia, colon polyp or colon cancer, excessive menstrual bleeding)
• excessive exercise
• blood donation
• pregnancy ¹²
• chronic diseases (kidney disease, heart failure)

Symptoms most commonly associated with low ferritin

Symptoms of low ferritin

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Irritability

Increased hair loss ^2.12

Pale, dry skin

Unexplained fatigue

Palpitations

Ringing in the ears

The above symptoms are also included in the complex of the main clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia.

Symptoms of manifestations of iron deficiency anemia

Hypoxic syndrome, which includes symptoms common to all stages of anemia:

pallor

headache

palpitations

dizziness

tinnitus

general weakness

Sideropenic syndrome, which includes:

disturbance of the taste of familiar products

cracks in the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis)

dry skin

burning tongue

change in nails

dyspeptic syndrome

hair loss

Get an online diagnosis of iron deficiency

Take an online test

When does an elevated ferritin level occur?

Iron overload is not always the cause of elevated ferritin levels. Numerous conditions not associated with iron overload can lead to elevated serum ferritin levels ⁵ .

Methods of treatment

First of all ferritin level itself does not require treatment is a diagnostic indicator, it can tell us what we need to pay attention to and what disease or condition the patient has encountered. Thanks to these data, the doctor will be able to prescribe an effective treatment for the disease that caused the decrease in ferritin.

How can ferritin levels be increased?

If you properly increase the level of iron in the body, you can increase the value of ferritin. For example, increasing the quality and quantity of dietary or pharmacological iron is the most effective way to increase ferritin levels and total iron levels.

There are two types of iron: heme (from animal sources) and non-heme (from plant sources). It is important to note that the body absorbs heme iron much better.

Heme iron may support absorption of non-heme iron ¹⁹ .

What drugs are available to increase iron levels in iron deficiency?

Numerous oral iron preparations are available today. They contain iron in the form of various salts. For example, ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous citrate, and iron-sucrose complex. Among these drugs, the following forms are distinguished: liquid and tablet.

It is worth noting that all drugs can be effective if taken on the advice of a physician, at the correct dosage and for the required duration of use ²² . Vitamin C is also added to some preparations to improve the absorption of iron, for example, a combination of ferrous sulfate with ascorbic acid. This combination contributes to improved absorption and enhanced recovery of hemoglobin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is hemoglobin normal and ferritin low?

This may indicate a decrease in iron stores in the body. With a normal hemoglobin level, iron deficiency anemia, as a rule, is not observed, however, a doctor can diagnose a latent iron deficiency, which has not yet led to a decrease in hemoglobin levels, but indicates depletion of the iron depot.

Why are iron and hemoglobin low and ferritin high?

Elevated serum ferritin (ferritin > 300 ng/mL in men and > 200 ng/mL in women) may occur in some conditions in the absence of excessive iron accumulation. It most often occurs in the presence of inflammation, including malignancies, kidney failure, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions ²¹ .

#THE IRON

How to get tested for ferritin?

Get a referral from your PCP

You can get a referral for a serum ferritin test from your PCP if you have symptoms and indications.

Take the test yourself

You can test your ferritin level yourself at clinics and laboratories in your city if such a service is available.

Where can I get tested?

Including you can take an analysis for the level of ferritin:

Go to site

Go to site

Go to site

Authors of the article

Shikh Evgeniya Valerievna

Director of the Institute of Vocational Education, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases, I. M. Sechenov of the Ministry of Health of Russia.

Maria Alexandrovna Balalaeva

Clinical pharmacologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases, PMSMU named after. THEM. Sechenova, Head of the Centralized Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution of the Republican Scientific Center of Surgery named after A.I. acad. B.V. Petrovsky.

Find out more about iron deficiency

References

1. Cytosolic and mitochondrial ferritins in the regulation of cellular iron homeostasis and oxidative damage. Arosio P, Levi S Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010;1800(8):783
2. Mayo Clinic. 2021 Anemia-Symptoms and https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc- 20351360
3. Ferritin serum. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/88153. Accessed Oct. 23, 2019
4. Brittenham, GM. Disorders of iron metabolism: Iron deficiency and overload. In: Hematology Basic Principles and Practice, 2nd ed, Hoffman, R, Benz, EJ Jr Shattil, SJ, et al (Eds), Churchill Livingstone, New York 1995
5. Investigation and management of a raised serum ferritin. Cullis JO, Fitzsimons EJ, Griffiths WJ, Tsochatzis E, Thomas DW, British Society for Haematology Br J Haematol. 2018;181(3):331.
6. Approach to the patient with suspected iron overload Bruce R Bacon, MDJanet L Kwiatkowski, MD, MSCE Jun 09, 2022
7. Extremely elevated serum ferritin levels in a university hospital: associated diseases and clinical significance. Lee MH, Means RT Jr Am J Med 1995;98(6):566
8. Elevated serum ferritin – what should GPs know? Goot K, Hazeldine S, Bentley P, Olynyk J, Crawford D Aust Fam Physician. 2012;41(12):945
9. Erythropoietin, ferritin, haptoglobin, hemoglobin and transferrin receptor in metabolic syndrome: a case control study. Hämäläinen P, Saltevo J, Kautiainen H, Mäntyselkä P, Vanhala M Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2012; 11:116.
10. Marked hyperferritinemia does not predict for HLH in the adult population. Schram AM, Campigotto F, Mullally A, Fogerty A, Massarotti E, Neuberg D, Berliner N Blood. 2015;125(10):1548.
11. A new missense mutation in the L ferritin coding sequence associated with elevated levels of glycosylated ferritin in serum and absence of iron overload. Kannengiesser C, Jouanolle AM, Hetet G, Mosser A, Muzeau F, Henry D, Bardou-Jacquet E, Mornet M, Brissot P, Deugnier Y, Grandchamp B, Beaumont C Haematologica. 2009;94(3):335.
12. Soppi E. T. (2018). Iron deficiency without anemia – a clinical challenge. Clinical case reports, 6(6), 1082–1086.
13. The relationship between depression and serum ferritin level Shariatpanaahi, Z Vahdat Shariatpanaahi, M Moshtaaghi, S H Shahbaazi & A Abadi European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 61, pages 532–535 (2007)
14. Association between psychiatric disorders and iron deficiency anemia among children and adolescents: a nationwide population-based study Mu-Hong Chen, Tung-Ping Su, Ying-Sheue Chen, Ju-Wei Hsu, Kai-Lin Huang, Wen-Han Chang, Tzeng-Ji Chen and Ya-Mei Bai BMC Psychiatry. 2013; 13:161
15. Serum ferritin and vitamin d in female hair loss: do they play a role H Rasheed 1, D Mahgoub, R Hegazy, M El-Komy, R Abdel Hay, M A Hamid, E Hamdy Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2013;26(2): 101-7
16. Iron status in diffuse telogen hair loss among women M Vahdat Shariatpanaahi, Z Vahdat Shariatpanaahi, M Moshtaaghi, S H Shahbaazi A Abadi European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 61, pages 532–535 (2007)
17. Iron Plays a Certain Role in Patterned Hair Loss Song Youn Park, Se Young Na, Jun Hwan Kim, Soyun Cho, and Jong Hee Lee J Korean Med Sci. Jun 2013; 28(6): 934–938..
18. Plasma ferritin determination as a diagnostic tool. Finch CA, Bellotti V, Stray S, Lipschitz DA, Cook JD, Pippard MJ, Huebers HA West J Med. 1986;145(5):657.
19. Bda.uk.com.2021.Iron.:https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/iron-rich-foods-iron- deficiency.ht
20. Effect of iron supplementation on fatigue in nonanemic menstruating women with low ferritin: A randomized controlled trial. Paul Vaucher, DiO MSc, Pierre-Louis Druais, MD, Sophie Waldvogel, MD, and Bernard Favrat, MD 2012 Aug 7; 184(11): 1247-1254].
21. Investigation and management of a raised serum ferritin. Cullis JO, Fitzsimons EJ, Griffiths WJ, Tsochatzis E, Thomas DW, British Society for Haematology Br J Haematol. 2018;181(3):33
22. How we diagnose and treat iron deficiency anemia. Auerbach M, Adamson Am J Hematol. 2016;91(1):31

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Dog blood test at a low price in St. Petersburg

Dog blood test is an important method for diagnosing diseases and conditions of an animal’s body. It can be general (clinical) or biochemical. A complete blood count shows the number and ratio of different types of cells: erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets. It also demonstrates the level of hemoglobin, hematocrit and ESR.

These readings may reflect the presence of anemia, inflammation, infection, allergies, parasites, and other problems. A biochemical blood test shows the level of glucose, protein, urea, bilirubin and other substances. These indicators may indicate the work of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, etc.

What does a blood test in dogs show? Norms may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and research method.

If any indicator is outside the normal range, then this may be a sign of a disease. For example:

How to properly prepare an animal for blood donation

Preparing your dog for blood donation depends on the type of test to be taken. If this is a general blood test, then the following rules should be observed:

• Do not feed the animal for 10-12 hours before the procedure. This will help to avoid an increase in blood fat, which distorts the results of the analysis.
• The dog should have free access to water. Dehydration changes the results of the analysis.
• It is recommended to avoid physical activity and stress.
• Keep your dog on a leash and talk to him in a soothing voice. These actions will help reduce her anxiety and excitement.

If, for example, an analysis of the ammonia level is to be carried out, specific recommendations must be observed. For example, drugs that can affect the level of ammonia in the blood should not be given. These can be antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or anticonvulsants.

It is also strongly recommended not to give food containing a large amount of protein. It promotes the formation of ammonia in the body. Therefore, it is preferable to give easily digestible food (eg rice or oatmeal).

Indicators of received blood tests and their characteristics

The following analysis indicators are considered to be the most important:

• Hematocrit (Ht). Abnormalities indicate anemia, dehydration, polycythemia, or hypoxia.
• Hemoglobin (Hb) . Abnormalities indicate anemia, dehydration, polycythemia, or hypoxia.
• Red blood cells (RBC). Inconsistency of the norm indicates anemia, dehydration, polycythemia or hypoxia.
• Reticulocytes (Ret). Deviations indicate regenerative or non-regenerative anemia.
• Leukocytes (WBC). The discrepancy of this indicator to the norm indicates inflammation, infection, allergies, stress or leukemia.