Abstract

Background: Anaemia causes impaired oxygen delivery to tissues. The first investigation done in anaemia is blood for haemoglobin%(Hb%). It can be reported within minutes using automated analyser. Peripheral blood smear (PBS) examination for assessment of red cell morphology is advised to evaluate the effect of anaemia on patient’s health. Now-a-days, automated analysers are supplied in remote hospital set-up also. But analyser results must be justified with blood smear examination findings.

Objectives: General: To find out the spectrum of Hb concentration among indoor patients; Specific: To find out whether analyser derived red cell indices correspond with red cell morphology on PBS.

Materials and Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in the pathology department of a tribal based hospital. After institutional ethics committee permission the study was conducted for 1 year duration among indoor patients selecting the first complete haemogram report after admission. Hb values were categorised into 4 sub-groups (≥12 g/dl, 10–

Key words: Anaemia; Haemoglobin; Peripheral Blood Smear; Red Cell Indices; Red Cell Morphology