Which blood test is commonly performed to screen for anemia in children?

The screening for anemia in children is most commonly done using a complete blood count (CBC). The complete blood count is a comprehensive blood test that provides essential information about the different components of the blood, specifically the red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, hematocrit levels, and other parameters that help to determine the overall health of an individual.

Hemoglobin level is indeed an important aspect of assessing anemia, as it measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. However, it is typically evaluated as part of a complete blood count rather than being performed as a standalone test. The hemoglobin level alone may not provide a full picture of the child's blood health, as it does not account for other factors such as RBC count and size, which are crucial in diagnosing different types of anemia.

An iron panel measures iron levels and related components in the blood and is useful in diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia specifically, but it is not the first-line screening test for general anemia in children. Similarly, a vitamin D level test assesses vitamin D status and is not relevant for anemia screening.

Thus, while measuring hemoglobin is a vital part of diagnosing anemia, a complete blood count is the comprehensive approach followed in pediatric practice as it captures broader parameters necessary for a