Anemia is a common condition in which the body does not have enough oxygen because the blood is not functioning properly. In Germany, it is precisely diagnosed with the help of laboratory medicine in order to find the cause and start the right treatment. But what exactly is anemia, how do you notice it and how does laboratory medicine help to detect it? This article explains it simply and clearly.

What is anemia?

Anemia occurs when there are either too few red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood or they do not contain enough haemoglobin – the substance that transports oxygen. Without enough oxygen, the body feels weak because organs and muscles do not get enough “fuel”. There are many reasons for anemia: iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, chronic illness, blood loss or even hereditary causes. It is not uncommon in Germany – women, older people or people with certain pre-existing conditions are particularly affected.

Typical signs

People suffering from anemia often feel tired, listless and short of breath, even with little exertion. The skin may appear pale because less oxygen is flowing through the body. Some people have headaches, dizziness or cold hands and feet. These symptoms come on gradually, which is why many sufferers do not take them seriously at first. But if they persist, it is important to see a doctor – and this is where laboratory medicine comes into play.

How is anemia determined in laboratory medicine?

In Germany, the diagnosis usually begins with a blood test, often with a blood count. This is followed by more specific tests to clarify the cause of the anemia. Here are the most important parameters that are examined in laboratory medicine:

1. Haemoglobin (Hb):
   Haemoglobin is the oxygen carrier in the red blood cells. Too low a value is the first sign of anemia. In women, the normal value is around 12 to 16 grams per deciliter, in men 13 to 17 – if it falls below this, it is called anaemia.
   
2. Red blood cells (erythrocytes):
   The number of these cells is counted. If there are too few, this can explain the oxygen supply. Their size and shape are also looked at to find out the cause.
   
3. Haematocrit:
   This value shows what percentage of the blood is made up of red blood cells. Normal is around 36 to 46 % in women and 40 to 50 % in men. A low hematocrit confirms anemia.
   
4. MCV, MCH and MCHC:
   These abbreviations stand for the size (mean cell volume), the haemoglobin content and the haemoglobin concentration of the red blood cells. They help to classify the type of anemia. Small, pale cells indicate iron deficiency, for example, while large cells indicate vitamin B12 deficiency.
   
5. Iron levels and ferritin:
   If iron deficiency is suspected, the stored iron(ferritin) in the blood is measured. Too little iron is the most common cause of anemia worldwide.
   
6. Vitamin B12 and folic acid:
   These substances are essential for the formation of red blood cells. A deficiency is detected by additional tests in the blood serum.

From sample to diagnosis

Blood sampling is simple: a small amount of blood is usually taken from a vein in the arm and sent to the laboratory. Modern devices analyze the values within a few hours. The doctor then compares them with reference ranges, which vary according to age and gender. If anemia is present, the cause is investigated further – for example by testing for hidden blood loss (e.g. in the gastrointestinal tract), inflammation or genetic diseases such as thalassemia.

Why is laboratory medicine so important?

Without laboratory medicine, anemia would be difficult to detect because the symptoms are non-specific and could also have other causes. In Germany, precise blood analysis not only helps to confirm anemia, but also to find out why it has developed. This is crucial because the treatment depends on the cause: Iron supplements for iron deficiency, vitamin B12 injections for a corresponding deficiency or even blood transfusions for acute blood loss. The laboratory values are also used to monitor the success of the treatment – if haemoglobin and co. rise again, this is a good sign.

Common forms in Germany

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common in this country, often caused by menstruation, pregnancy or poor nutrition. Chronic illnesses such as kidney problems or inflammation can also cause anemia. Less common are forms such as aplastic anemia, in which the bone marrow produces too few blood cells. Thanks to laboratory medicine, each form can be precisely determined.

Conclusion

Anemia is more than just tiredness – it shows that the blood lacks something to keep the body fit. In Germany, laboratory medicine makes it possible to diagnose this weakness quickly and reliably. With a few drops of blood and modern analyses, doctors can find out what is wrong and how it can be treated. In this way, laboratory medicine not only provides answers, but also the chance to regain strength – a small test with a big effect!

Matching:

Chips, cola, vegan: if you’re not careful, you can develop anemia – MedLabPortal

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Gender note. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple references and gendered designations are avoided for the sake of better readability ected.