#Blood and iron new west series

The results may be a clue as to the cause of your anemia. MCV is a measure of the average size of your red blood cells. Abnormal results may be a sign of infection, a blood disorder, or another condition.ДЇinally, the CBC looks at mean corpuscular (kor-PUS-kyu-lar) volume (MCV). The CBC also checks the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. Your doctor can explain your test results to you. The normal range of these levels varies in certain racial and ethnic populations. A low level of hemoglobin or hematocrit is a sign of anemia.

Hematocrit is a measure of how much space red blood cells take up in your blood. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body. This test checks your hemoglobin and hematocrit (hee-MAT-oh-crit) levels. The CBC measures many parts of your blood. Often, the first test used to diagnose anemia is a complete blood countВ (CBC). They can help confirm a diagnosis, look for a cause, and find out how severe the condition is. Many tests and procedures are used to diagnose iron-deficiency anemia.

Do a pelvic and rectal exam to check for internal bleeding.

Feel your abdomen to check the size of your liver and spleen.

Listen to your lungs for rapid or uneven breathing.Listen to your heart for rapid or irregular heartbeats.Look at your skin, gums, and nail beds to see whether they're pale.Your doctor will do a physical exam to look for signs of iron-deficiency anemia. If you're a woman, your doctor may ask whether you might be pregnant. He or she also may ask about your diet and whether you're taking any medicines. Your doctor will ask about your signs and symptoms and any past problems you've had with anemiaВ or low iron. These doctors include pediatricians, family doctors, gynecologists/obstetricians, and internal medicine specialists.ДЄ hematologist (a blood disease specialist), a gastroenterologist (a digestive system specialist), and other specialists also may help treat iron-deficiency anemia. Primary care doctors often diagnose and treat iron-deficiency anemia. Thus, you may not know you have it unless your doctor discovers it from a screening test or while checking for other problems. Mild to moderate iron-deficiency anemia may have no signs or symptoms. Once your doctor knows the cause and severity of the condition, he or she can create a treatment plan for you. Visit the blood donation process page for more information about what to do before and after your donation.Your doctor will diagnose iron-deficiency anemia based on your medical history, a physical exam, and the results from tests and procedures. ItвЂ™s important you answer questions honestly.

#Blood and iron new west series

You will be asked a series of questions that are personal in nature вЂ“ about travel, medication, drug use and sex. It is also important that you have a good understanding of your medical history. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be raised above your elbow Get at least eight hours of sleep the night before your appointmentД®at a healthy breakfast or lunch вЂ“ or both, if youвЂ™re donating later in the dayД¬hoose lean proteins (lean meat, cheese and yogurt) or complex carbohydrates (bread, cereal and fruit) and avoid fatty foodsДrink a few extra glasses of water, including an extra glass about 10 to 30 minutes before your donation Here are some other helpful tips to prepare: If you're not feeling well, we ask that you wait and donate when you're better. You should feel well on the day of donation. Please make sure to bring your photo identification or Red Cross donor card with you.