The volume of blood needed for most laboratory tests is lower than the amount that is commonly drawn; a 2008 study found that only 9% of the blood in standard sized blood tubes was used for testing. Using smaller tubes for blood tests can decrease the risk of anemia, but it may increase the risk of laboratory errors. Point-of-care testing, meaning testing performed at a patient's bedside rather than in a medical laboratory, typically uses much smaller blood volumes than conventional testing; however, as of 2019, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of point-of-care testing on<unk> . The use of closed blood sampling devices, which return excess blood from blood draws or line flushes to the person's circulation, can decrease the amount of blood loss in hospitalized patients. Strategies to decrease the amount of blood tests ordered, such as clinician education and auditing, or restricting test orders through the electronic health record, have also been investigated.
Iatrogenic anemia
Mechanical hemolytic anemia
Iron deficiency
Nutritional anemia
Acquired hemolytic anemia
Megavitamin-B6 syndrome
Acute posthemorrhagic anemia
Iron metabolism disorder