Hematology
Anaemia
Also known as: Anemia, Low Hemoglobin, Khoon ki kami
Understanding your CBC report — is it iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, or something else?
How MedFast.AI helps with anaemia reports
MedFast.AI reads your CBC and iron studies and explains which type of anaemia the pattern suggests, so you go into your doctor's visit already understanding what's happening.
Tests & values you'll see
Click any term to open its plain-language explainer.
Haemoglobin
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around your body. Low Hb (anaemia) often causes tiredness and breathlessness.
RBC
The count of your red blood cells (millions per µL). Low RBC often points to anaemia; high RBC can point to dehydration or other issues.
MCV
Mean Corpuscular Volume — the average size of your red blood cells. Small (low MCV) often points to iron-deficiency anaemia; large (high MCV) often points to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
MCH
The average amount of haemoglobin inside each red blood cell. Low MCH often accompanies iron-deficiency anaemia.
MCHC
How concentrated the haemoglobin is inside each red cell. Low MCHC suggests iron-deficiency anaemia; high may suggest spherocytosis.
RDW
How much your red blood cells vary in size. High RDW is an early clue to early iron, B12, or folate deficiency — often before Hb drops.
Ferritin
Your body's iron storage protein — think 'iron fuel tank'. Low ferritin is the earliest sign of iron deficiency, even before anaemia shows.
Vitamin B12
Needed for healthy nerves and red blood cells. Vegetarians often run low. Symptoms include tingling, fatigue, and memory issues.
Frequently asked questions
What Hb level is considered anaemia?
For non-pregnant women: below 12 g/dL. For men: below 13 g/dL. In pregnancy: below 11 g/dL. Severe anaemia is below 7 g/dL and often needs urgent treatment.
How do I know if my anaemia is iron deficiency?
Small red cells (low MCV, low MCH) plus low ferritin is the classic pattern. Your doctor may also check iron and TIBC. Ferritin below 30 ng/mL almost always means iron stores are depleted.
How long does iron treatment take to work?
Haemoglobin usually improves by 1–2 g/dL per month on adequate oral iron. Full recovery of stores takes 3–6 months. Don't stop early — your ferritin (iron store) takes longer than Hb to normalise.
Sources & Standards
The plain-language explanations above draw on published standards from the following bodies. Reference ranges and thresholds vary slightly by lab and demographic — always check the range on your own report and follow your doctor's interpretation.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
India's apex biomedical research body
India-specific clinical guidelines and reference values.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
India's health ministry
Universal Immunisation Programme and national health policy.
- NIH / MedlinePlus
US National Institutes of Health patient-education arm
Plain-language descriptions of tests, conditions, and medicines.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Global public-health authority
Global reference ranges and disease classifications.
We can be wrong. Explanations here are for comprehension only — confirm every decision with your doctor.
This is a comprehension aid, not medical advice. AI can be wrong. Always confirm any health decision with your doctor.