Overview
Comparison reference for Module 10, classification and approach lessons teach algorithms once; Library owns lookup tables.
Classification
| Type | MCV | Reticulocytes | Smear clues | Key chemistry | Associations (not exclusive) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron deficiency | Low | Low | Microcytes, pencil cells, ↑ RDW | ↓ ferritin*, ↓ iron, ↑ TIBC | Blood loss, malabsorption |
| ACI | Normal/low | Low | Often nonspecific | ↓ iron, normal/↑ ferritin | Inflammation, chronic infection |
| B₁₂ deficiency | High | Low | Macro-ovalocytes, hypersegmented PMNs | ↓ B₁₂, ↑ MMA | Pernicious anemia, malabsorption |
| Folate deficiency | High | Low | Macro-ovalocytes | ↓ folate, normal MMA | Alcohol, poor intake, drugs |
| Hemolytic (overview) | Normal/high | High | Spherocytes, schistocytes, polychromasia | ↓ haptoglobin, ↑ LDH, ↑ indirect bili | Many subtypes, see disease lessons |
| Hereditary spherocytosis | Normal | High | Spherocytes, DAT negative | Hemolysis panel positive | Membrane defect |
| G6PD deficiency | Normal | High (episodic) | Bite cells, Heinz bodies (special stain) | Hemolysis during crisis | Oxidative triggers |
| AIHA | Normal | High | Spherocytes, DAT positive | Hemolysis panel positive | Warm/cold antibody subtypes |
| Aplastic anemia | Normal | Low | Normocytic, pancytopenia | Marrow hypocellular on biopsy | Marrow failure |
| Renal anemia | Normal | Low | Burr cells possible | ↑ creatinine, iron studies per dialysis protocol | EPO deficiency pattern |
Morphologic Features
Smear terms defined in Module 7 rbc-morphology-glossary, link not repeat.
Laboratory Characteristics
- *Ferritin interpret with inflammation, acute-phase reactant
Reference Intervals
All intervals institutional.
Clinical and Laboratory Significance
Patterns suggest differentials, confirmatory testing clinician-directed.
Differential Considerations
Dual pathology common, e.g., ACI + iron deficiency, transfusion effect.
Comparison Tables
| Microcytic comparison | RDW | RBC count | Ferritin | Iron/TIBC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron deficiency | Often ↑ | Low/normal | Low (no inflammation) | ↓ iron, ↑ TIBC |
| Thalassemia trait | Normal | Often ↑ for anemia degree | Normal | Normal iron studies |
| ACI | Normal | Low/normal | Normal/↑ | ↓ iron, ↓ saturation |
Classification Frameworks
Laboratory Notes
- Compare related entries in Laboratory Library for side-by-side differentiators.
References
Authoritative textbooks, guidelines, and reviews supporting this reference entry. Verify reference intervals, critical limits, and reflex criteria against institutional protocols and current guideline editions.
Textbooks
- McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Elsevier; 2021.
- Rodak BF, Carr JH. Rodak's Hematology: Clinical Principles and Applications. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2020.
- McKenzie SB, Williams JL. Clinical Laboratory Hematology. 4th ed. Pearson; 2022.
- Hoffbrand AV, Moss PAH, Pettit JE. Essential Haematology. 8th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2019.
- Bain BJ. Blood Cells: A Practical Guide. 5th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2015.
CLSI and Professional Guidelines
- Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory; Approved Standard. CLSI document EP28-A3c. CLSI; 2010.
- Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Reference and Selected Performance Standards for the Automated Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC). CLSI document H26-A2. CLSI; 2010.
WHO Publications
- World Health Organization. Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. WHO/NMH/NHD/MNM/11.1. Geneva: WHO; 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using this Anemia Classification . Comparison Tables foundational topics Medical Laboratory Library reference in Medical Laboratory Science education.
What is the Anemia Classification . Comparison Tables laboratory reference?
Anemia Classification . Comparison Tables is a Foundational Topics entry in the LabPedia Medical Laboratory Library, written for Medical Laboratory Science reference lookup.
How should students use this medical laboratory encyclopedia page?
Read the structured sections for quick orientation, then follow related links into Academy lessons or Challenge Center practice when you need teaching or assessment.
Does this page replace laboratory textbooks?
No. It is a concise educational laboratory reference. Use recognized laboratory medicine sources and your institutional procedures for definitive practice decisions.
Where can I find related laboratory tests?
Use related links on this page when present, or browse Laboratory Library discipline catalogues for laboratory tests and interpretation references.
Is this content part of Medical Laboratory Education on LabPedia?
Yes. Library references support Medical Laboratory Education alongside Academy courses, medical laboratory quizzes, and laboratory case studies.
Can reference details vary between laboratories?
Yes. Methods, intervals, and reporting conventions vary. Always confirm details against your laboratory’s current protocols.
How do I return to Library search or categories?
Use breadcrumbs to open the Library hub, discipline catalogues, or other reference collections for continued medical laboratory resource browsing.