The evaluation of anemia begins with a medical history and physical exam.

Physical findings in those with anemia may include:

• Arm swelling
• Enlarged spleen
• Heart murmur
• Jaundice
• Leg swelling
• Low blood pressure
• Pale skin
• Rapid breathing rate
• Rapid heart rate: over 100
• Retinal hemorrhages
• Tongue swelling

The diagnosis of anemia requires testing.

Tests for anemia may include:

• Stool guaiac testing
• Complete blood count
• Peripheral blood smear
• Reticulocyte count
• Serum ferritin level
• Serum iron level
• Kidney profile
• Erythropoietin level
• Total iron binding capacity
• Vitamin B12 level
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis

Imaging tests for anemia may include:

• Barium enema
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Upper GI endoscopy

For more information:

• Aplastic anemia evaluation
• Hemolytic anemia evaluation
• Iron deficient anemia evaluation
• Megaloblastic anemia evaluation
• Pernicious anemia evaluation
• Sickle cell anemia evaluation
• Thalassemia evaluation