Evaluation of anaemia

Background: Often, the first test used to diagnose anemia is a complete blood count (CBC). It determines the number, size, volume, and hemoglobin content of red blood cells. Peripheral smear is done for typing of anaemia. Such evaluation is necessary for proper treatment.Methods: A retrospective study was done in 300 anaemic patients at Shakuntala pathology laboratory, Nagpur. Patients were randomly selected including males and females. CBC and peripheral smear were analyzed.Results: Out of total 300 patients evaluated, the prevalence of anaemia was quite significant in females 225 (75%) than males 75 (25%). 66 females (22%) had mild anemia while 129 females (43%) had moderate anemia and 30 females (10%) had severe anaemia 36 males (12%) had mild anaemia, 30 males (10%) had moderate anaemia while 9 males (3%) had severe anaemia. In morphology of red blood cells, normocytic normochromic anaemia was seen in 132 (44%) females and in 45 (15%) of males. Microcytic hypochromic anaemia was seen in 90 (30%) females and 27 (9%) males. Macrocytic anaemia was seen in 3 (1%) females and 3 (1%) males.Conclusions: Prevalence of anaemia is quite high in females than males. Also, the severity of anaemia is more in females than males. So, heath programmes should be directed more towards females since adolescent age