Med. praxi. 2026;23(3):169-175 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2026.023

Anemia - which conditions can be managed in general practice

MUDr. Eva Havlová

Ústav klinické biochemie a hematologie, FN Plzeň

Anemia is a common finding in primary care and is defined in adults over 15 years of age as a hemoglobin concentration below 135 g/L in men and below 120 g/L in women. Initial evaluation should include a complete blood count with leukocyte differential and reticulocyte count. Classification according to mean corpuscular volume (MCV) into microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemia helps guide further diagnostics. The article focuses mainly on iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, which can frequently be diagnosed and treated in general practice. Diagnostic algorithms, treatment principles, and monitoring of therapeutic response are discussed. The paper also emphasizes situations requiring urgent hematological referral, such as pancytopenia, hemolysis, schistocytosis, pathological cells in peripheral blood, or severe symptomatic anemia. Case reports illustrate both common and life-threatening hematological disorders initially identified in primary care.

Keywords: anemia, blood count, iron deficiency, megaloblastic anemia.

Received: April 22, 2026; Revised: May 20, 2026; Accepted: May 20, 2026; Published: June 22, 2026  Show citation