Here, we would try to summarize all the investigations useful to differentiate various types of anemias--
1. Microcytic hypochromic anemias
-S. Ferritin, Total Iron Binding capacity, Transferrin saturation help in distinguishing IDA, AOCD, Beta thal trait.
HbA2 levels between 3.5-8% are diagnostic of beta thal trait.
2. Macrocytic anemias
S. VitB12 and S.Folic acid assays to differentiate megaloblastic from non megaloblastic macrocytic anemias.
PBS f/s/o megaloblastic anemia - macovalocytes, hypersegmented neutrophils, pancytopenia +/-
3. Warm Antibody against P antigen and cold antibodies (I antigen) to detect AIHA and also to differentiate AIHA from HS.
4. G6PD Assays- suspected G6PD deficiency anemias
1. Microcytic hypochromic anemias
-S. Ferritin, Total Iron Binding capacity, Transferrin saturation help in distinguishing IDA, AOCD, Beta thal trait.
HbA2 levels between 3.5-8% are diagnostic of beta thal trait.
2. Macrocytic anemias
S. VitB12 and S.Folic acid assays to differentiate megaloblastic from non megaloblastic macrocytic anemias.
PBS f/s/o megaloblastic anemia - macovalocytes, hypersegmented neutrophils, pancytopenia +/-
3. Warm Antibody against P antigen and cold antibodies (I antigen) to detect AIHA and also to differentiate AIHA from HS.
4. G6PD Assays- suspected G6PD deficiency anemias