If you have reduced kidney function your healthcare team will take a sample of your blood for lab tests to see if you have anemia. If you have already been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease your healthcare team will do lab tests regularly to be sure your treatment is working properly.
Chronic kidney disease is caused by a decrease in red blood cell production. To diagnose chronic kidney disease it is important to know your red blood cell numbers.
The most accurate method used to monitor your level of anemia measures your hemoglobin (pronounced Hee-mow-glow-bin) level. You might also see it referred to as Hb or Hgb. This test measures the amount of the oxygen-carrying component in your blood. When your hemoglobin level is less than 110g/L more lab tests will be done to fully understand your anemia and how it should be treated. When your hemoglobin level is in the range of 110 to 120 g/L you will probably feel more energetic.
| |
Hemoglobin Level (g/L) |
| Normal range - Women |
120-160 |
| Normal range - Men |
140-180 |
| Level for doing full lab tests in renal anemia9 |
Less than 110 |
| Target range for renal anemia therapy9 |
110-120 |
Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells; therefore, it's important for your doctor to know that you are getting the proper amount of iron to help manage your anemia. Two tests tell your doctor the level of iron in your blood.
T-SAT
One iron test is called transferrin saturation, or T-SAT. Your T-SAT score tells your doctor the level of iron being supplied to the bone marrow. Your doctor will want to make sure your T-SAT is above 20%. 9,11
Ferritin
The other test is called serum ferritin, or ferritin, sometimes abbreviated as SF. Serum ferritin is a measure of the amount of iron stored in the body. Your doctor will want to make sure your serum ferritin level is above 100 g/L 9,11
Monitoring Your Lab Tests
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