A 35-year-old male reports fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance. His CBC shows Hgb 11.2 g/dL with an otherwise unremarkable panel. Which interpretation of this Hgb value is most accurate?

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✅ C. Mild anemia—further workup with reticulocyte count, iron studies, and MCV review is warranted The adult male normal Hgb range is 14–18 g/dL. A Hgb of 11.2 g/dL is below the lower limit, defining anemia (male <13.5; female <12). In a symptomatic adult with fatigue, the next step is to characterize the anemia by reviewing the MCV (micro-/normo-/macrocytic), reticulocyte count (hypo- vs. hyperproliferative), and iron studies to identify the cause. ❌ A. Normal hemoglobin for an adult male 11.2 g/dL is well below the 14 g/dL lower limit for males. This value cannot be considered normal at any age. ❌ B. Severe anemia requiring immediate transfusion Transfusion is generally considered for Hgb <7 g/dL (or <8 in cardiac/oncology patients) or active symptomatic blood loss. 11.2 g/dL is mild anemia—workup, not transfusion, is the next step. ❌ D. Polycythemia requiring phlebotomy Polycythemia is defined by ELEVATED Hgb (>16.5 in women, >18.5 in men). 11.2 g/dL is the opposite pattern and would never prompt phlebotomy. :::important Hgb cutoffs: anemia <13.5 male / <12 female; transfusion threshold typically <7 (or <8 with cardiac disease). Always pair Hgb with MCV and reticulocytes. :::

Hemoglobin (Hgb) — Normal Range & Interpretation

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