In a message dated 2/3/99 1:48:04 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
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<< The hemoglobin is the issue...  you
 don't need a CBC [complete blood count] unless you have a good reason from
 history or physical exam... >> Gail

You can't tell much from just a Hgb or Hct - strictly a screening test.
A CBC will give you much more helpful information - RBC's, MCV, MCH, MCHC,
RDW, platelet count.............Anemia with a low MCV (mean corpuscular
volume) limits the anemia to one of two diagnoses:  iron deficiency or some
type of thalassemia (can't diagnose by looking at patient).  Anemia with a MCV
greater than 100 fl NEEDS to be explained.....spurious, reticulocytosis, liver
disease, preleukemia, sideroblastic anemia, megaloblastic anemias,
drugs..........
Andrew MD
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