Anemia of prematurity laboratory findings
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Asra Firdous, M.B.B.S.[2]
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
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