Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Anemia of prematurity laboratory findings
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of anemia of prematuriy are reduced hemoglobin, hematocrit, and reticulocyte count in the blood. Normocytic, normochromic RBCs and red blood cell precursors are seen predominantly on the peripheral smear of patients with anemia of prematurity.
Laboratory findings
Laboratory findings
Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of anemia of prematurity include[1]:
Complete blood count (CBC)
- Decreased hemoglobin
- Decreased hematocrit
Reticulocyte count
- Decreased reticulocyte count (reticulocytopenia)
Peripheral blood smear
- Normocytic, normochromic red blood cells
- Predominant red blood cell precursors
Iron studies
- Decreased serum ferritin
- Increased zinc protoporphyrin to heme ratio (ZnPP/H)
Coombs test
- Negative
Lactic acid
- Elevated lactic acid levels
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Asra Firdous, M.B.B.S.[2]