Anaemia overview
Definition The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines anaemia by the following haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations: Males < 130 g/L (130-175 g/L) Females < 120 g/L (120-155 g/L)* World Health Organization WHO * In pregnancy, a Hb < 110 g/L is diagnostic. Strictly speaking, anaemia is defined as a reduction in circulating red blood cell mass. However, in clinical practice, anaemia is defined by more measurable variables such as: Red blood cell (RBC) count Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration Haematocrit Hb concentration is commonly used in the assessment of anaemia. It is important to understand that anaemia is a manifestation of an underlying problem, not a diagnosis in