From the Research
Yes, you can obtain an anemia workup after a recent blood transfusion, as studies have shown that most blood test results are not significantly affected by the transfusion 1. The study published in The American Journal of Medicine in 2018 found that changes in mean values of most parameters, including mean corpuscular volume, soluble transferrin receptor, erythrocyte folate, cobalamin, haptoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and direct Coombs' test, were not statistically significant after a red blood cell transfusion 1. Some key points to consider when interpreting anemia workup results after a blood transfusion include:
- The timing of the transfusion: most studies suggest that blood tests can be performed within 48 to 72 hours after transfusion without significant interference 1
- The type of tests performed: some tests, such as genetic tests for conditions like thalassemia or hemoglobinopathies, are not affected by the transfusion as they examine DNA rather than current blood components
- The clinical context: in urgent situations where diagnosis cannot wait, bone marrow examination might provide more reliable information about the underlying cause of anemia than peripheral blood tests It's also important to note that reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) has been shown to be a useful marker for iron deficiency and anemia diagnostics, and is less affected by inflammation than traditional biochemical markers 2, 3. Overall, while there are some limitations to consider, an anemia workup can be performed after a recent blood transfusion, and the results can be useful in guiding diagnosis and treatment.