Which laboratory test is used to monitor anemia in patients with end-stage kidney disease?

• A. Hemoglobin/Hematocrit
• B. White blood cell count
• C. Creatinine
• D. Calcium

Answer: (A)

Monitoring anemia in end-stage kidney disease relies on a measure that directly reflects the red blood cell–driven capacity of the blood to carry oxygen. Hemoglobin shows how much oxygen-carrying protein is present, and hematocrit indicates the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells. In ESRD, reduced erythropoietin production and potential iron losses lead to anemia, so regularly checking Hb and Hct reveals how well anemia treatment is working and whether adjustments to erythropoiesis-stimulating therapy or iron management are needed.

White blood cell count looks at immune status and infection, not anemia. Creatinine reflects kidney function and dialysis adequacy, not the status of red blood cells. Calcium relates to bone-mineral metabolism, not red blood cell oxygen transport. So, the test that best monitors anemia in these patients is hemoglobin/hematocrit.