What lab values indicate anemia of chronic disease?

What lab values indicate anemia of chronic disease?

Healthcare providers evaluate several lab test results to diagnose anemia of chronic disease. Here’s what your blood test may show:

• Your hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin gives red blood cells their color. The normal hemoglobin range is 12 to 17.4 grams per deciliter of blood. If your hemoglobin level is low, your provider may also check your erythropoietin (EPO) level. EPO is a hormone your kidneys make to help your bone marrow make red blood cells.
• Your serum iron level. Serum is a liquid part of blood. This test measures the amount of iron in your blood. The normal value range is 60 to 170 micrograms per deciliter of blood.
• Your reticulocyte count: Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells. A low reticulocyte count may mean your bone marrow isn’t producing as many red blood cells as usual.
• Your iron-binding capacity. This test shows if you have too much or too little iron in your blood. The normal range for adults is 250 to 450 micrograms per deciliter of blood.
• Your serum ferritin level: Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. This test shows how much iron your body stores. Normal ferritin levels range from 20 to 200/500 nanograms per millimeter of blood.