Investigations Flashcards
1
Q
What are the normal MCV fl ranges?
A
82-98
Low MCV = microcytosis
Parameter showing size
2
Q
What is the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia?
A
Low Hb, low MCV, low MCH
Ferritin <15micrograms/L
3
Q
What are the investigations for the haemolytic anaemias?
A
- FBC with reticulocytes
- Blood film
- Bilirubin/lactic dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Coomb’s tests
- EMA - binding
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase level
- Haemoglobin identification (HPLC)
4
Q
How should vit B12 and folate deficiency anaemia be diagnosed?
A
- History
- Examination
- FBC
- Blood film
- Measure serum concentrations of cobalamin and folate
5
Q
How should vitB12 deficiency be investigated?
A
Serum anti-intrinsic factor antibodies if:
- VitB12 deficiency is found
- Megaloblastic anaemia or subacute combined degeneration of the cord despite normal serum vitB12 level
6
Q
How should folate deficiency be investigated?
A
Anti-endomysial or anti-transglutaminase antibodies should be done to exclude coeliac disease
7
Q
What are the causes of microcytic anaemia?
A
- IDA
- Haemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia syndrome/trait)
- Anaemia of chronic disease/inflammation - can be microcytic, often microcytic
- Lead poisoning (rare)
- Sideroblastic anaemia (rare)
