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Published on: Jul 29, 2021
2 minute read
By: Raj Dwivedi

What Tests Are Used To Manage Anemia And What Do They Mean?

The doctors use a number of tests to diagnose anemia. Hb (hemoglobin) is one of the key indicators used in diagnosis. A hemoglobin test is a blood test that measures how much hemoglobin you have in your red blood cells. A hemoglobin test is generally used for detecting:

In addition, a hemoglobin test can also be carried out to assess bone marrow's response to treatment, evaluate possible blood donation and check the levels of red blood cells in the body. There are certain conditions that may interfere with the results of the hemoglobin test. In such cases, it is recommended to get the test done again.

For the hemoglobin test, a sample of your blood is taken and tested in a clinical laboratory [read more about the process here]. The results are expressed as grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (g/dL) or micrograms per liter (mcg/L). Normal range for this test is 12g/dL - 18g/dL (12.1-18.0 g/L) for adults and 9g/dL - 13g/dL (9.0-13.3 g/L) for children. If the test result comes out to be less than 7 gm, it can indicate a serious condition known as severe anemia. In some cases, the doctors may order follow-up tests to assess the current condition of the patient.

Apart from the hemoglobin test, certain other blood tests can be used for detecting low RBCs (RBC count) or abnormal types of RBC (red cell indices) or hemoglobin (Hb). These include complete blood count tests, reticulocyte tests, iron tests, and red blood cell indices.

In some cases, the doctor may opt to do a bone marrow aspiration and exam to check for any abnormalities in the bone marrow cells. In such cases, it of red blood cells is karyotype to rule out chromosomal disorders.

The most common reason for having an inadequate number of red blood cells in the body is an iron deficiency or anemia. Iron plays a significant role in the production of hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of other parts of the body. Hence, people suffering from iron are known as sickle cell trait. The tests include:

Complete blood count test - The complete blood cell count (CBC) is a routine test that checks the different components of your blood like number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. It also has information about the size and hemoglobin content in each of these cells. A CBC includes tests for the following:

Reticulocyte test - This is a blood test that measures the reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) in the bloodstream. A high level of reticulocytes can indicate increased production of red blood cells by the bone marrow to compensate for anemia, or destruction of very early stage RBCs which are still unable to mature.

Iron tests - Iron is an essential component for RBC production. A test to assess the iron level in your blood is called a serum ferritin test, which measures the amount of iron stored in the body's cells and tissues. Another way to evaluate low iron levels is by carrying out a transferrin saturation test. In this case, the lab technician will extract serum from your blood sample and measure the amount of transferrin protein present in it. Transferrin is a protein that carries iron to the bone marrow where red blood cells are produced. Thus, if there is an insufficient amount of transferrin protein present in the serum, it shows that there is an inadequate level of stored iron.

Hemoglobin tests - A hemoglobin test is generally carried out to detect anemia, especially if the result of CBC tests are inconclusive. During this test, a small sample of blood is collected from your vein and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells.

Red cell indices - Red cell indices are tests that measure the size and hemoglobin content of the red blood cells. The values obtained from these tests can be used to detect anemia and other blood disorders.

Karyotype test - It is a lab test used to evaluate chromosomal abnormalities in red blood cells or bone marrow cells

Low blood cell counts also have other causes, such as infections or tumors. In some cases, low blood cells may indicate a more serious condition like bone marrow failure which requires immediate medical intervention to save the patient from death.

Thus, if you are suffering from any of these conditions and symptoms and suspect that you may be anemic, check with your doctor for the necessary tests to confirm or rule out your suspicions. Early detection and treatment of anemia can save you from serious complications like heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, etc.

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Kindness Week – Recognize Employees Going the Extra Mile

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, deadlines, targets and performance metrics often dominate workplace conversations. However, one powerful factor that consistently drives employee satisfaction and productivity is kindness.

Kindness Week is a meaningful initiative designed to celebrate employees who go beyond their defined roles, support their colleagues and contribute positively to workplace culture. Recognizing those who consistently go the extra mile not only boosts morale but also strengthens organizational values.

Why Kindness Matters in the Workplace

Kindness in professional settings includes:

Offering help without being asked
Supporting team members during stressful periods
Maintaining respectful communication
Appreciating others’ contributions
Showing empathy during challenges

These small actions significantly influence employee wellbeing and workplace harmony.

Research in organizational psychology indicates that workplaces with higher levels of appreciation and positive reinforcement experience:

Better employee engagement
Lower stress levels
Higher productivity
Improved retention rates

The Purpose of Kindness Week

Kindness Week serves multiple objectives:

1. Encourage Positive Behavior

By highlighting positive actions, organizations reinforce desirable behaviors.

2. Promote Appreciation

Employees feel valued when their efforts are acknowledged publicly.

3. Strengthen Team Bonds

Recognition fosters collaboration and trust.

4. Improve Workplace Morale

Celebrating contributions creates a supportive environment.

Benefits of Recognizing Employees Who Go the Extra Mile

Boosted Motivation

When employees know their efforts are noticed, they are more motivated to maintain high performance.

Increased Engagement

Recognition creates emotional connection with the organization.

Better Mental Wellbeing

Feeling appreciated reduces stress and burnout.

Enhanced Organizational Reputation

A positive work culture attracts talent and strengthens employer branding.

How to Celebrate Kindness Week

1. Employee Appreciation Awards

Create categories such as:

Kindness Champion
Team Support Star
Helping Hand Award
Positive Attitude Leader

Keep criteria transparent and inclusive.

2. Gratitude Wall

Encourage employees to post thank-you notes recognizing colleagues’ contributions.

This creates visible appreciation within the organization.

3. Leadership Acknowledgment

Managers and senior leaders can personally recognize employees during team meetings.

Direct appreciation from leadership increases impact.

4. Team Lunch or Wellness Event

Organize:

Welcome lunches
Healthy snack days
Mindfulness sessions
Team-building activities

Combining kindness with wellness initiatives reinforces healthy workplace culture.

5. Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

Encourage employees to perform small acts such as:

Mentoring a junior colleague
Helping with workload
Writing appreciation emails
Sharing learning resources

Recognize participation at week’s end.

Kindness and Employee Retention

Studies consistently show that employees who feel recognized are more likely to remain loyal to their organizations.

Recognition contributes to:

Reduced turnover
Improved job satisfaction
Stronger commitment
Positive organizational citizenship behavior

Kindness Week may seem simple, but its long-term cultural impact can be significant.

Promoting Inclusivity During Kindness Week

Ensure recognition initiatives:

Avoid favoritism
Include all departments
Value non-managerial roles equally
Recognize behind-the-scenes contributions

Inclusivity strengthens fairness and trust.

Measuring the Impact

Organizations can assess the success of Kindness Week by tracking:

Employee feedback surveys
Participation rates
Team engagement metrics
Retention trends

Continuous appreciation initiatives beyond one week create sustainable results.

Building a Culture Beyond One Week

Kindness should not be limited to a single event. Companies can maintain momentum by:

Monthly recognition programs
Peer-to-peer appreciation platforms
Wellness check-ins
Leadership mentoring initiatives

Embedding appreciation into daily operations ensures lasting cultural transformation.

The Indian Corporate Context

In India’s rapidly growing corporate landscape, workplace stress and competition are increasing. Initiatives like Kindness Week support mental wellbeing, collaboration and emotional resilience.

Organizations prioritizing empathy and recognition often witness stronger teamwork and healthier work environments.

Conclusion

Kindness Week is more than a celebration — it is a strategic initiative to recognize employees who go the extra mile and foster a culture of appreciation. By encouraging empathy, gratitude and recognition, organizations create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.

Simple acts of appreciation can lead to stronger teams, improved morale and long-term success. Recognizing kindness today builds a more collaborative and positive workplace for tomorrow.

References

Society for Human Resource Management – Employee Recognition Studies
Indian Journal of Occupational Health – Workplace Wellbeing Research
Harvard Business Review – Impact of Appreciation on Productivity
World Health Organization – Healthy Workplace Framework
National Institute of Mental Health – Workplace Mental Health Insights

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