Anaemia a practical approach for nursing and paramedical specialities

Anaemia is only a symptom and not, in itself, a diagnosis. Its importance lies in the fact that it signals underlying disease which is often correctable. By definiton anaemia is a reduction in red cell mass and this is reflected in reduced haemoglobin, packed cell volume, or red cell count in the peripheral blood. To understand the mechanisms of its development normal blood formation must be briefly reviewed.