The common anemias.

Anemia is a common clinical problem requiring precise diagnosis of its underlying etiology in order to provide effective therapy. Most common anemias are characterized by discrete hematologic patterns. The most useful laboratory studies in most instances are red cell indices, blood film, reticulocyte count, platelet count, serum iron and total iron binding capacity. This paper presents simple guidelines for the rational use of common laboratory tests in the diagnostic assessment of anemia.