What indicates the presence of anemia based on laboratory results?

The presence of anemia is primarily indicated by low levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in laboratory results. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, and hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. When either of these values is decreased, it suggests that the body may not have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen, which leads to the symptoms of anemia.

In a clinical context, a low hemoglobin level indicates that the blood is not able to carry sufficient oxygen, while a low hematocrit can reflect insufficient production or increased destruction of red blood cells. Therefore, identifying these low values in a patient's lab results helps healthcare professionals to diagnose anemia and determine the underlying cause, guiding appropriate treatment options.