gynecology and obstetrics
Anemia in Pregnancy
Diagnosis of Anemia in Pregnancy
Complete blood count (CBC), followed by testing based on mean corpuscular value (MCV) value Diagnosis of anemia begins with CBC; usually, if women have anemia, subsequent testing is based on whether the MCV is low (<79 fL) or high (>100 fL): Evaluation includes testing for iron deficiency (measuring serum ferritin) and Overview of Hemolytic Anemia (using hemoglobin electrophoresis). If these tests are nondiagnostic and there is no response to empiric treatment, consultation with a hematologist is usually warranted. Formacrocytic anemias:Evaluation includes serum folate and vitamin B12 levels. Foranemia with mixed causes:Evaluation for both types is required. 