Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels dropping without a reason
The costs for specific medical imaging tests, treatments and procedures may vary by geographic region. This website does not provide cost information. To locate a medical imaging or radiation oncology provider in your community, you can search the ACR-accredited facilities database. Please contact your physician with specific medical questions or for a referral to a radiologist or other physician. This page was reviewed on April, 15, 2022 Thalassemia – blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, spleen removal, or bone marrow transplant.Sickle cell anemia – medications, oxygen, blood transfusions, folic acid supplements, antibiotics, bone marrow transplant.Hemolytic anemia – spleen removal, drugs to suppress the immune system, blood transfusions, or blood filtering.Anemia related to bone marrow disease – medication, chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant.Anemia related to autoimmune disorders – drugs to suppress the immune system.Aplastic anemia – medications and blood transfusions to boost red blood cell levels.Anemia related to chronic disease – treatment of the underlying disease, blood transfusions, or synthetic hormone injections to boost red blood cell production.Vitamin deficiency anemia – vitamin B-12 injections and folic acid supplements.Iron deficiency anemia – iron supplements, medications, blood transfusions, surgery, or even cancer treatment.Different diagnoses and their treatments may include: Your doctor will tailor these treatments to your diagnosis. Treatment depends on your specific diagnosis and the severity of your condition. See the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety page for more information about MRI.Īnemia is a broad medical topic. This is particularly useful in patients with multiple blood transfusions and concern for iron overload. It also can help assess iron concentration in the heart, liver, and other organs. Body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI finds bone and bone marrow disorders.
See the Radiation Dose in X-Ray and CT Exams Safety page for more information about CT. It also finds causes of bleeding, such as gastrointestinal malignancies. It can show an enlarged spleen or certain types of lymph node anemia-related problems. Computed tomography (CT) - Abdomen and Pelvis: CT uses x-rays to image bones, internal organs, and lymph nodes.Doppler ultrasound can also detect circulatory problems that suggest anemia in unborn babies. These problems may include an enlarged spleen or uterine fibroids. General ultrasound: Ultrasound can find anemia-related problems without using radiation.Chest x-ray: Chest x-rays may rule out infection in anemia patients See the Radiation Dose in X-Ray and CT Exams Safety page for more information about x-rays.
You may undergo imaging exams to further evaluate certain causes of anemia. Cell and bone marrow samples can supply clues to abnormal or lower red blood cell production. You also may undergo colonoscopy to look for bleeding tumors, and other problems in the large intestine. If blood loss is a concern, your doctor may useĮndoscopy to examine your upper digestive system for signs of bleeding. Your doctor may use more tests to search for the cause of your anemia.
If you have anemia, more tests may determine its type and whether it has a serious cause. Your doctor may detect a heart murmur or a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand.Ī blood test will provide counts of your white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, irritability, headaches and difficulty concentrating.