HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Anemia The first sign of a physical disorder

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 The Blood ~55% ~45% <1%

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Red Cells Red cells, or erythrocytes, transport oxygen from the lungs to the living tissues of the body and carry away carbon dioxide. 95% of the red cells consists of hemoglobin molecules. Each red cell contains about hemoglobin molecules.

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Red Cells Shaped as a biconcave disc Made in the bone marrow Average lifespan of 120 days The production is controlled by Erythropoietin Requires supply of vitamins (Folate and B12), nutrients and essential minerals (Iron) Recycled in the spleen and liver Contains the protein Hemoglobin

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 White Cells White cells, or leukocytes, provides a physical defence against infection, numbers increase under attack by viruses or bacteria. Exists in variable numbers and types but make up a very small part of the blood volume.

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Platelets Platelets, or thrombocytes, are cells that clot blood at the site of wounds. Platelets are only about 1/3 the size of red cells

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Plasma Plasma is the relatively clear liquid medium which carries the red cells, white cells, and platelets. Most blood volume is made up of plasma. Plasma brings nourishment and removes waste products to and from the cells.

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Hemoglobin (Hb) Transports oxygen (O 2 ) from the lungs to peripheral tissues and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) back to the lungs

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Hemoglobin Molecule Consists of: –4 Polypeptide globin chains (2 ,  –each with an iron containing heme molecule

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Hemoglobins There are different types of hemoglobin - Hb A, Hb A 2 and Hb F Hb F mainly exist in newborn babies HemoCue hemoglobin methods measures the total amount of all types of hemoglobin mentioned above.

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Anemia An = No Aemia = blood

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 What is Anemia ? Anemia = when the level of circulating hemoglobin in a patient is lower than that in healthy persons of the same age group and sex in the same environment. Anemia is a symptom - not a disease. The WHO estimates that over 1/3 of the world’s population are anemic, mainly due to iron deficiency. In developing countries, the most affected population groups are pregnant woman and school-age children.

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Anemia Reference Values Influenced by sex, age and altitude Definition by WHO: –women g/dL ( g/L, mmol/L) –men g/dL ( g/L, mmol/L)

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 The Clinically Anemic Person Symptoms in anemia Pallor Fast heart rate Shortness of breath on exercise Tiredness, weakness or fatigue Symptoms in severe anemia Faintness Dizziness Tinnitus Headache Spots before the eyes/dimmed vision

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Main Causes of Anemia Decreased red cell production by the bone marrow –shortage of raw material (Iron, B 12, Folate) Increased red cell destruction –hereditary (Thalassemia, Sickel Cell) –hemolysis (anti bodies, drugs, Malaria) Bleeding or blood loss –menstruation –gastric ulcer –trauma

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 How is Anemia Diagnosed? From a simple blood sample anemia can be detected by measuring hemoglobin or the hematocrit To determine the cause of anemia a wide range of tests are necessary

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Hemoglobin Measurement Hemoglobin measurement is considered to be more precise, accurate, and useful compared to hematocrit measurement due to reliable standardization. Potential sources of technical and inherent errors are also fewer.

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Hematocrit Measurement Is the volume of red cells expressed as a fraction of the total blood volume

HemoCue Education Center Hb, Anemia, October 2004 Major Types of Anemia Iron Deficiency Anemia Vitamin Deficiency Anemia Hemolytic Anemia Inherited Anemia Miscellaneous Anemia