How is anemia diagnosed?

• A. Hematocrit test
• B. Complete blood count
• C. Blood glucose test
• D. Blood pressure measurement

Answer: (A)

Anemia is diagnosed by evaluating the amount of red blood cells in the blood. The hematocrit test measures the percentage of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells, so a low hematocrit directly signals anemia because there are fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen. While a complete blood count can also help by providing hematocrit along with other values like hemoglobin and red blood cell count, the hematocrit value itself is the most direct indicator of anemia. Tests of blood glucose or blood pressure assess other aspects of health and don’t measure red blood cell mass, so they aren’t used to diagnose anemia.