Blood loss

Key Information	Appropriate Tests
Acute	See also Bleeding disorders Clinical assessment. FBC; the initial Hb and PCV may be normal - serial PCV may be helpful. Blood group, blood group antibody screen, compatibility testing.
Chronic	FBC, blood film. See Iron deficiency.
Occult	Careful history especially in relation to possible uterine and gastro-intestinal disease; regular blood donation. FBC, blood film to detect features suggestive of Iron deficiency; occult blood - faeces.

Key Information

Appropriate Tests

Acute

Clinical assessment. FBC; the initial Hb and PCV may be normal - serial PCV may be helpful.

Blood group, blood group antibody screen, compatibility testing.

Chronic

FBC, blood film.

See Iron deficiency.

Occult

Careful history especially in relation to possible uterine and gastro-intestinal disease; regular blood donation.

FBC, blood film to detect features suggestive of Iron deficiency; occult blood - faeces.

Glossary Terms