Mild Anaemia

Last updated Nov. 1, 2025, 10:26 p.m. by ivo

The haemoglobin reference range will vary depending on the age, gender and pregnancy status of the patient, as well as the laboratory performing the test. In general, the haemoglobin is considered to be low when it is < 130 g/L in males and <115 g/L in females. The MCV and reticulocyte count are useful to guide further investigation as below.

Anaemia etiology based on MCV
Microcytic	Normocytic	Macrocytic
Iron deficiency Thalassaemia	Loss/Destruction - increased reticulocytes Bleeding Haemolysis	B12 or folate deficiency High reticulocyte count - haemolysis/bleeding Myelodysplastic syndrome Myelosuppressive drugs Alcohol / Chronic liver disease
Underproduction - low or normal reticulocytes Anaemia of chronic disease Anaemia of chronic renal failure Marrow infiltration by haematological or meta- static malignancy (frequently accompanied by other cytopenias) Aplastic anaemia

Anaemia etiology based on MCV

Microcytic

Normocytic

Macrocytic

Iron deficiency

Thalassaemia

Loss/Destruction - increased reticulocytes

Bleeding
Haemolysis

B12 or folate deficiency

High reticulocyte count - haemolysis/bleeding

Myelodysplastic syndrome

Myelosuppressive drugs

Alcohol / Chronic liver disease

Underproduction - low or normal reticulocytes

Anaemia of chronic disease
Anaemia of chronic renal failure
Marrow infiltration by haematological or meta- static malignancy (frequently accompanied by other cytopenias)
Aplastic anaemia

Initial tests

Reticulocyte count
Peripheral blood film review
Iron studies
B12 and folate
Haemolytic screen
Serum protein electrophoresis and serum free light chain assay
ELFT

Management

If no cause is identified with thorough investigation, mild anaemia (Hb >100g/L) without other cytopenias can be safely monitored

Share this post

When To Refer

Symptoms

Unxplained fevers > 38° C
Unintentional weight loss
Drenching night sweats

Physical examination

Hepatosplenomegaly
Lymphadenopathy

Laboratory

Anaemia (Hb < 100g/L)
Thrombocytopenia (PLT<100x10⁹/L)
Neutropenia (ANC< 1 x 10⁹/L)
Immature cells on peripheral blood film
Dysplastic features on peripheral blood film

0 comments

There are no comments.