Anemia is defined as which of the following?

• A. Normal RBC count
• B. Low RBC count (low haemoglobin)
• C. High RBC count
• D. Low WBC count

Answer: (B)

Anemia is a condition where the blood’s ability to carry oxygen is reduced because there are too few red blood cells or not enough hemoglobin inside them. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrier inside red blood cells, so when its level is low or the red blood cell mass is reduced, tissues don’t receive enough oxygen. This is why the description that matches anemia is a low red blood cell count with low hemoglobin. A normal red cell count wouldn’t indicate anemia, a high red cell count points to a different problem, and a low white blood cell count affects the immune system rather than oxygen transport.