Clinical QuickieHematology/Coagulation
Hemoglobin & Hematocrit
The trend often tells you more than the value.
Low Hgb/Hct Quantifies Anemia — Not the Cause
Use baseline, rate of change, symptoms, MCV/RDW, reticulocyte response, kidney function and evidence of blood loss or hemolysis.
The value tells you anemia is present; the workup tells you why.
Volume Status Can Fool You
Hemoconcentration can raise Hgb/Hct; IV fluids can lower them by dilution.
A post-fluid decline is not automatically ongoing bleeding.
Acute Blood Loss Can Lag
Early hemorrhage may initially show a near-baseline hemoglobin before redistribution and resuscitation change the concentration.
A reassuring early hemoglobin does not rule out significant acute blood loss.
Organize the Mechanism
Think blood loss, underproduction, hemolysis and mixed processes.
CKD-associated anemia is often normocytic, but concurrent deficiencies are common.
Want more depth?
Read the Deep Dive