What diagnostic tests should be ordered for a 70‑year‑old woman with mild anemia (hemoglobin 11.8 g/dL, hematocrit 35.2%) and otherwise normal laboratory studies?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 12, 2026View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Related Questions

What is the best approach to manage low hemoglobin (anemia) in an elderly patient?
What are the potential causes of abdominal enlargement in an elderly male with anemia, despite a normal abdominal ultrasound?
What is the best course of treatment for a 60-year-old individual with anemia?
What is the diagnosis and treatment for anemia?
How do you diagnose and manage anemia in adult patients?
Given a polysomnography showing an overall apnea‑hypopnea index of 2.4 events per hour (normal), a REM‑specific apnea‑hypopnea index of 8.5 events per hour (mild) using a 3% desaturation criterion, a non‑REM apnea‑hypopnea index of 3.2 events per hour, an average awake oxygen saturation of 95% and a nadir saturation of 88% during sleep, what does this indicate and is any treatment required?
What are the current cervical cancer screening recommendations for average‑risk women, including start age, screening intervals (primary human papillomavirus testing, co‑testing, or cytology alone), stopping age, and special considerations for high‑risk groups, hysterectomy, and pregnancy?
What is the optimal initial urate‑lowering therapy for a patient with recurrent gout flares and a serum uric acid of 8.0 mg/dL who is not in an acute attack?
What is the appropriate management for a patient with Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis?
In a 17-year-old female with a normal comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood count except for a hemoglobin of 11.8 g/dL and hematocrit of 35.2 %, what laboratory test should be obtained?
How should bradycardia be evaluated and managed, including assessment of symptoms, reversible causes, pharmacologic therapy, and pacing indications?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.