Anaemia is a lack of red blood cells, which can lead to a lack of oxygen-carrying ability, causing unusual tiredness. The deficiency occurs either through the reduced production or an increased loss of red blood cells.

These cells are manufactured in the bone marrow and have a life expectancy of approximately four months. Having adequate red blood cell volume is particularly important in pregnancy.

To produce red blood cells, the body needs (among other things) iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. If there is a lack of one or more of these ingredients, anaemia will develop.

The StatSite Hb system is a portable, hand-held device that can be used at the patient bed-side to help determine the patient’s RBC levels. The test is rapid, accurate and inexpensive.