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Interpret this report
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analyse_media
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iron deficiency anemia AND thrombocytopenia
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WHO haemoglobin thresholds non-pregnant women anaemia 2024
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Main interpretation
This CBC shows moderate anemia, with a pattern that is most suggestive of iron-deficiency anemia, plus a mildly low platelet count.
| Test | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin | 9.1 g/dL | Low. For a non-pregnant adult woman, this is moderate anemia. WHO defines moderate anemia as hemoglobin 8.0-10.9 g/dL. |
| Hematocrit | 28.3% | Low, supporting anemia |
| RBC count | 3.49 million/µL | Low |
| MCV | 80.9 fL | Slightly low - red cells are smaller than usual |
| MCH | 26 pg | Low - red cells contain less hemoglobin |
| RDW | 26.3% | High - red cells vary considerably in size, common in iron deficiency |
| Platelets | 130,000/µL | Mild thrombocytopenia, slightly below the lab range of 150,000-400,000 |
| Total WBC | 5.72 × 10⁹/L | Normal |
| Neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes | Within range | No obvious white-cell abnormality |
The WHO threshold for anemia in non-pregnant women is Hb below 12 g/dL, and 9.1 g/dL falls in the moderate range (WHO definition).
What the red-cell pattern suggests
Low MCV and MCH together with markedly raised RDW indicate microcytic, relatively hypochromic anemia. Iron deficiency is the most common cause, especially in women with:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
- Recent pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Low dietary iron intake
- Blood loss from the stomach or intestine
- Poor iron absorption
Other possibilities include anemia related to chronic inflammation, thalassemia trait, or less commonly other causes. Laboratory guidance recommends confirming iron status with ferritin, serum iron, and iron-binding capacity/transferrin saturation. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods, section “Microcytic and Hypochromic Anemias,” lines 1056-1072.
Platelets: 130,000/µL
This is mildly low, not usually a level that causes spontaneous bleeding by itself. It should be rechecked, particularly because anemia is also present. A platelet count of 100,000-150,000/µL is generally categorized as mild thrombocytopenia. Current Surgical Therapy 14e, p. 1051-1052.
A single slightly low platelet result can sometimes occur due to sample-related platelet clumping, a recent viral illness, medications, nutritional deficiency, pregnancy-related changes, or other conditions. It needs clinical context rather than an immediate conclusion.
The low “absolute basophil count” of 0 is usually not clinically important. The PDW value is also not interpreted independently when the platelet count and clinical situation are being assessed.
What to discuss with the doctor
Arrange an appointment with your physician or gynecologist soon, ideally within a few days. Ask about:
- Serum ferritin - the most useful first test for depleted iron stores
- Serum iron, TIBC/transferrin saturation
- Peripheral blood smear and repeat CBC with platelet count, to confirm the platelet result and look at cell appearance
- Assessment for heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, dietary intake, medications, and possible gastrointestinal blood loss
- If iron studies are not consistent with iron deficiency, consider hemoglobin electrophoresis for thalassemia trait and other targeted tests.
Do not start high-dose iron solely from this image without medical advice, since the cause of anemia should be established and the appropriate dose chosen.
Seek urgent care now if
- Shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or rapid heartbeat
- Very heavy menstrual bleeding, black stools, vomiting blood, or other ongoing bleeding
- New widespread bruising, pinpoint red-purple spots, nose/gum bleeding
- You are pregnant, or could be pregnant, and have Hb 9.1 g/dL
This is not a normal CBC, but it is a common and usually treatable pattern once the cause, especially possible iron deficiency or blood loss, is identified.
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