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Mayo Clinic Talks

Lab Medicine Edition | CBC: Hemoglobin/Anemia (Micro, Macro, Hemolytic)

Apr 25, 2024
Renowned Mayo Clinic Hematologist, Dr. Ronald S. Go, discusses evaluating abnormalities in hemoglobin levels, different types of anemia, and the importance of clinical context and confirmatory testing. Topics include non-heme causes of polycythemia, diagnostic approach for polycythemia vera, differential diagnosis and workup for anemia, diagnostic value of Mean Corpuscular Volume in anemias, and guidance on anemia testing and hemoglobin interpretation.
35:34

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Providers should consider repeating CBC for unexpectedly elevated hemoglobin levels to rule out blood disorders.
  • Understanding the three main causes of anemia - blood loss, decreased production, and hemolysis - is crucial for effective diagnostic workup.

Deep dives

Understanding Elevated Hemoglobin in Outpatient Care

In outpatient settings, a key consideration for providers is the context of an elevated hemoglobin. If hemoglobin levels are above normal unexpectedly, repeating the CBC to confirm accuracy is advised. Consistent elevation may prompt further evaluation to determine if it indicates a blood disorder. The differential diagnosis of elevated hemoglobin includes common causes like dehydration, hypoxemia, medication side effects, and less frequently, hereditary conditions.

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