Criteria

Guideline on haemoglobin cutoffs to define anaemia in individuals and populations[2]​

Anaemia is a haemoglobin (Hb) level two standard deviations below the mean for the age and sex of the patient. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.

The World Health Organization recommends the following haemoglobin cutoffs to define anaemia in the individuals and populations:[2]

  • Hb <105 g/L (<10.5 g/dL) in children aged 6-23 months

  • Hb <110 g/L (<11 g/dL) in children aged 24-59 months

  • Hb <115 g/L (<11.5 g/dL) children aged 5-11 years

  • Hb <120 g/L (<12 g/dL) in children aged 12-14 years

  • Hb <120 g/L (<12 g/dL) in non-pregnant adult females (aged over 15 years)

  • Hb <130 g/L (<13 g/dL) in adult males (aged over 15 years)

  • Hb <110 g/L (<11 g/dL) during the first trimester pregnancy

  • Hb <105 g/L (<10.5 g/dL) during the second trimester pregnancy

  • Hb <110 g/L (<11 g/dL) during the third trimester pregnancy

Adjustments to haemoglobin cut-off values may be required, according to external factors, such as cigarette smoking and the population’s elevation above sea level.[2]

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