PBH 101
Lab Class
Instructor:
Zeeba Zahra Sultana
MBBS (IMC), MPH (NSU), MPhil (Cantab, UK)
Lecturer
Department of Public Health
North South University
Hemoglobin Test
Content
• What is hemoglobin (Hb)?
• What is the importance of Hb measurement?
• What is the range of Hb in healthy adults and pregnancy?
• What is anemia?
• What are the types, causes, and symptoms of anemia?
• The public health burden of anemia.
Hemoglobin and it’s function
Why to check Hb level
• As a part of a routine health check up
• To screen for the medical conditions that affect red blood cells (RBCs)
• To find out if you have low Hb content
• To find out if you have high Hb content
• To monitor response to certain treatment
When to check Hb level
• Have symptoms like weakness, dizziness, pale skin, and cold hands and feet
• Parents or other immediate family members have had a history of any blood
disorder
• Diet is very low in iron and mineral content
• Suffering from a long-term infection
• Suffered excessive blood loss maybe from an injury or any surgical procedure
• Pregnant
Hb Measurement Unit
Gram per deciLiter
(g/dL)
Normal Range of Hb Level
Levels
Normal
Adult male
13.8 to 17.2 g/dL
Adult female
12.1 to 15.1 g/dL
Pregnant women
1st trimester
11.6 to 13.9 g/dL
2nd trimester
9.7 to 14.8 g/dL
3rd trimester
9.5 to 15.1 g/dL
If not in normal range of Hb level
If not in normal range of Hb level
Types of Anemia
Blood loss
(e.g., Bleeding)
Reduced blood
production
(e.g., Nutritional
deficiences, kidney
disease, bone marrow
diseases)
Red blood cell
destruction
(e.g., Thalassemia, sickle
cell anemia)
Symptoms of anemia
Public health impact due to anemia
• Global Prevalence: Anemia is a widespread health issue, affecting over 2 billion people worldwide, making it a global public health
concern.
• Health Impact: Anemia can lead to various health problems, including fatigue, weakness, cognitive impairment, and increased
susceptibility to infections. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Maternal and Child Health: Anemia during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth,
and maternal mortality. In children, anemia can result in developmental delays and impaired growth.
• Economic Impact: Anemia can reduce productivity due to fatigue, resulting in decreased work capacity. It can also lead to increased
healthcare costs for diagnosis and treatment.
• Health Inequities: Vulnerable populations, including women, children, and individuals in low-resource settings with limited access
to healthcare and nutritious food, are disproportionately affected by anemia.
• Preventability: Many cases of anemia are preventable and treatable through public health interventions such as iron and
micronutrient supplementation, improved nutrition, and the management of underlying conditions.
• Monitoring and Surveillance: Public health efforts to address anemia involve monitoring its prevalence and risk factors,
implementing interventions, and evaluating their impact on reducing the burden of anemia.
Strategies to prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia
Increase iron intake and uptake
Reduce iron losses:
• Supplementation
• Fortification
• Increase iron-rich food
•
•
•
High cost
• Increase bioavailability
Reduce diet inhibitors, e.g. Fiber, Phytate
•
But fiber is needed for other reasons
Eat at same meal promoters of iron absorption
•
•
Heme iron (not easy for vegetarians)
Vit C with iron-containing meals
•
Deworming
Medical care for bleeding, e.g. Peptic
ulcer
Delayed cord clamping after birth to
maximize the amount of iron that stays
with the infant.
THANK YOU