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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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Typical Blood Sugar Levels Based on Age: A Complete Guide

Managing blood sugar levels is important for everyone, whether you are young, middle-aged, or a senior. Blood sugar, also called blood glucose, is the main source of energy for your body’s cells. However, having levels that are too high or too low can lead to serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and more.

In this blog, we will walk you through typical blood sugar levels based on age, why it matters, and how you can maintain a healthy balance at every stage of life.

What Is Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar refers to the amount of glucose present in your blood. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is the body’s main source of energy. Your body uses insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to help glucose enter your cells.

When blood sugar is not properly controlled, it can lead to conditions such as:

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Diabetes

Understanding what your blood sugar levels should look like can help you maintain better health.

How Is Blood Sugar Measured?

Blood sugar is usually measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). There are different tests used to check blood sugar, including:

Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after not eating for at least 8 hours.
Postprandial Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar 2 hours after eating.
A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

Knowing these tests can help you and your doctor monitor your glucose levels properly.

Typical Blood Sugar Levels Based on Age

Blood sugar levels can vary based on several factors including age, lifestyle, and overall health. Let’s explore the typical blood sugar levels based on age.

1. Blood Sugar Levels for Children (0-12 years)

Children need stable blood sugar levels for proper growth and brain development. Typical ranges are:

Fasting: 70–100 mg/dL
Post-meal: Less than 140 mg/dL
Before bed: 90–150 mg/dL

Parents should regularly monitor children with diabetes or signs of low blood sugar like tiredness, irritability, or confusion.

2. Blood Sugar Levels for Teens (13–19 years)

During teenage years, hormones and growth spurts can cause fluctuations in blood sugar.

Fasting: 70–110 mg/dL
Post-meal: Less than 140 mg/dL
Before bed: 90–150 mg/dL

Teens should aim for consistency by eating balanced meals, exercising, and managing stress.

3. Blood Sugar Levels for Adults (20–59 years)

Adults should be proactive about managing blood sugar to prevent type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other complications.

Fasting: 70–99 mg/dL
Post-meal: Less than 140 mg/dL
Random (anytime): Less than 140 mg/dL

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management are key strategies at this stage.

4. Blood Sugar Levels for Older Adults (60+ years)

As we age, the risk of diabetes and heart-related issues increases.

Fasting: 80–120 mg/dL
Post-meal: Less than 180 mg/dL
Before bed: 100–140 mg/dL

Older adults should focus on moderate activity, a balanced diet, and regular doctor checkups to maintain healthy glucose levels.

Factors That Affect Blood Sugar Levels

Many things can influence your blood sugar. Here are a few important ones:

Diet: Eating high-sugar, high-carb foods can spike blood glucose.
Physical Activity: Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively.
Medications: Some medicines, including steroids, can increase blood sugar.
Stress: Emotional or physical stress can cause spikes.
Illness: Being sick or having an infection can raise blood sugar.
Sleep: Poor sleep can negatively affect blood sugar control.

Understanding these factors can help you better manage your levels.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Here are simple tips anyone can follow, no matter their age:

Eat a Balanced Diet
Include vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Stay Active
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
Stay Hydrated
Drink enough water daily to help your body function properly.
Get Enough Sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
Manage Stress
Try yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.
Monitor Regularly
Regular checks can help catch problems early.
Consult a Doctor
Always consult healthcare providers if you notice unusual symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue.

Warning Signs of Unhealthy Blood Sugar

Some symptoms to watch for include:

Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Blurry vision
Fatigue
Sudden weight loss
Slow-healing wounds

If you experience these signs, it's important to seek medical advice immediately.

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is vital for living a long, energetic, and disease-free life. Whether you're caring for a child, managing your health as an adult, or supporting elderly family members, understanding the typical blood sugar levels based on age can make all the difference.

Always remember, small lifestyle changes today can lead to better health tomorrow. If you're unsure about your numbers or how to maintain them, consult a healthcare professional to get personalized advice.