How to Detect and Interpret Anemia with Blood Tests: AI-Enhanced Clinical Guide

Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues. The diagnosis of anemia relies on laboratory blood tests that help confirm the condition, identify its type, and determine its underlying cause. This article explores the key blood test parameters indicative of anemia, the necessary diagnostic tests, and how advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) developed by Aima Diagnostics, can enhance result interpretation. Aima Diagnostics is an innovative platform leveraging AI to analyze blood test results, aiming to provide accurate and rapid diagnostics.

1. Primary Tests for Diagnosing Anemia
To diagnose anemia, physicians typically order a complete blood count (CBC), which includes several critical parameters. According to guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the following key indicators should be evaluated:
  • Hemoglobin (Hb): This oxygen-carrying protein has normal ranges that vary by sex and age:
  • Men: 130–160 g/L
  • Women: 120–140 g/L
  • Children: Varies by age (e.g., newborns: 140–220 g/L; children aged 1–14 years: 110–150 g/L)
  • Pregnant women: ≥110 g/L (WHO)
  • A hemoglobin level below these thresholds may indicate anemia.
  • Hematocrit (Hct): This measures the proportion of red blood cells in total blood volume. Normal ranges:
  • Men: 38–50%
  • Women: 36–44%
  • Children: Varies by age
  • A low hematocrit confirms anemia.
  • Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Normal ranges:
  • Men: 4.5–5.9 × 10¹²/L
  • Women: 4.1–5.1 × 10¹²/L
  • A reduced RBC count is also a sign of anemia.
  • Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): This parameter helps classify anemia:
  • Normal range: 80–100 fL
  • <80 fL: Microcytic anemia (e.g., iron deficiency anemia)
  • 100 fL: Macrocytic anemia (e.g., due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency)
  • 80–100 fL: Normocytic anemia (e.g., associated with chronic diseases)
  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): These indices further refine the anemia classification.
Role of Aima Diagnostics: Currently in the testing phase, the Aima Diagnostics platform employs AI to analyze these parameters while accounting for patient-specific factors (age, sex, health status). Its algorithms detect deviations and provide a preliminary classification of anemia, enabling physicians to make faster, informed decisions.

2. Additional Tests to Identify the Cause of Anemia
If a CBC indicates anemia, further tests may be ordered to pinpoint the cause. Based on recommendations from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) and the British Society for Haematology (BSH), these include:
  • Ferritin: Reflects iron stores in the body. Normal ranges: 20–250 µg/L for men, 10–120 µg/L for women. Low ferritin suggests iron deficiency anemia.
  • Serum Iron: Normal range: 10–30 µmol/L. A decrease may indicate iron deficiency.
  • Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): An elevated TIBC (>70 µmol/L) is typical of iron deficiency anemia.
  • Transferrin: Elevated in iron deficiency.
  • Vitamin B12 and Folate: Deficiencies cause megaloblastic anemia. Normal ranges:
  • Vitamin B12: 200–900 pg/mL
  • Folate: 3–20 ng/mL
  • Reticulocytes: Indicate bone marrow activity. Normal range: 0.5–2%. Low levels may suggest aplastic anemia, while high levels indicate hemolytic anemia.
  • Bilirubin and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): Elevated levels may point to hemolytic anemia.
  • Hemoglobin Electrophoresis or Hemoglobinopathy Tests: Used to diagnose conditions like thalassemia or sickle cell anemia.

How Aima Diagnostics Contributes: Aima Diagnostics’ AI algorithms integrate data from CBC and supplementary tests to identify patterns linked to specific anemia causes. For instance, a combination of low ferritin, high TIBC, and microcytic anemia strongly suggests iron deficiency. The platform is being developed to deliver detailed reports with result interpretations for physicians and patients.

3. How to Interpret Blood Test Results
Interpreting blood test results requires consideration of clinical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness). The following steps guide the process:

Confirm Anemia:
  • If hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), or red blood cell count (RBC) is below normal, anemia is confirmed.
  1. Classify Anemia by MCV:
  • Microcytic (MCV < 80 fL): Commonly associated with iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia.
  • Normocytic (MCV 80–100 fL): May result from chronic diseases, blood loss, or hemolysis.
  • Macrocytic (MCV > 100 fL): Typically indicates vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Identify the Cause:
  • Low ferritin and serum iron confirm iron deficiency anemia.
  • Low vitamin B12 or folate levels suggest megaloblastic anemia.
  • Elevated reticulocytes and LDH may indicate hemolytic anemia.
  • Normal iron and ferritin levels with low hemoglobin may point to anemia of chronic disease.
Advantages of Aima Diagnostics: The AI platform being developed by Aima Diagnostics is designed to uncover subtle correlations between parameters that may be missed in manual analysis. For example, it may flag the need for additional tests (e.g., vitamin B12 levels) in macrocytic anemia, even if not initially considered by the physician, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy.

4. When to Consult a Doctor
Self-interpreting blood test results can be unreliable, as outcomes depend on laboratory standards, reference ranges, and individual factors (age, sex, pregnancy). If CBC results show abnormalities or anemia symptoms are present, consult a general practitioner or hematologist. In the future, Aima Diagnostics’ platform may complement this process by offering preliminary AI-driven analysis, helping physicians quickly determine the need for further consultation or testing.

5. Prevention and Recommendations
To prevent anemia, consider the following:
  • A balanced diet rich in iron (red meat, spinach, legumes), vitamin B12 (fish, eggs, dairy), and folate (green vegetables, nuts).
  • Regular medical check-ups, especially for chronic conditions or pregnancy.
  • Timely treatment of infections and inflammatory conditions.
Aima Diagnostics for Prevention: In the future, Aima Diagnostics aims to track blood parameters over time, offering personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations to prevent anemia.


The diagnosis of anemia is based on a complete blood count (CBC) and additional tests, such as ferritin, vitamin B12, and reticulocyte counts. Key indicators—hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV)—help confirm the presence and type of anemia. Aima Diagnostics, currently in the testing phase, is developing AI-driven technologies to provide accurate and rapid interpretation of blood test results, assisting physicians and patients in detecting anemia early and identifying its causes. Stay tuned for updates from Aima Diagnostics to learn how diagnostic innovations can enhance your healthcare journey!

Sources:
  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Haemoglobin Concentrations for the Diagnosis of Anaemia and Assessment of Severity. 2011.
  2. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Anemia: Diagnosis and Tests. 2023.
  3. American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC). Lab Tests Online: Anemia. 2024.
  4. British Society for Haematology (BSH). Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia. 2021.
  5. UptoDate. Approach to the Adult Patient with Anemia. 2024.