Anemia is a common condition characterized by a reduced number of healthy red blood cells or a lack of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When the body does not receive enough oxygen, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and lightheadedness can occur. Because these signs can appear suddenly, many people seek immediate attention, often turning to urgent care clinics. Urgent care facilities handle acute, non-life-threatening issues, making them a suitable initial stop for screening when a person experiences new or worsening symptoms suggesting anemia.
Diagnostic Tools Available for Anemia Screening
Urgent care facilities are equipped to test for anemia using a common and informative blood test. The primary diagnostic tool for anemia screening is the Complete Blood Count (CBC). This test provides a detailed look at the cellular components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The CBC is the standard method for diagnosing anemia because it directly measures two parameters relevant to oxygen-carrying capacity: hemoglobin and hematocrit. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein within red blood cells, and hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume made up of red blood cells. A low result in either measurement suggests anemia.
Many urgent care centers have on-site laboratory capabilities, allowing for rapid processing of the CBC. While a standard venous blood draw is the most reliable method, some facilities use point-of-care devices that can provide initial hemoglobin and hematocrit results quickly, sometimes in under 15 minutes. If a full panel is sent to an external lab, the complete results may take a day or two, but pressing information can often be obtained quickly to guide initial management.
What to Expect During the Urgent Care Visit
Testing for anemia at an urgent care clinic begins with the intake procedure, where a medical assistant or nurse will document symptoms and measure vital signs. You will be asked about the onset and severity of symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. This initial assessment helps the provider understand the urgency of your condition and the likelihood of anemia.
Following the initial triage, a clinician will perform a physical examination and determine if a CBC is necessary. If ordered, a brief venipuncture will be performed to collect a blood sample, which is a quick, routine procedure. In centers with rapid testing, the preliminary results for hemoglobin and hematocrit can be available while you are still in the examination room.
The urgent care provider will review the findings, focusing on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to confirm or rule out anemia. If anemia is detected, the provider will discuss the preliminary findings and plan the next steps. They will communicate whether the anemia is mild and manageable with a follow-up with your primary doctor, or if it is severe and requires immediate, higher-level care.
When Urgent Care Refers You for Further Treatment
While urgent care can screen for and diagnose anemia, it is not equipped to provide long-term management or complex treatment. Urgent care serves as a triage point, and the disposition depends on the severity of the anemia and the patient’s symptoms. A referral is necessary in two main scenarios: for severe, acute cases and for chronic, complex cases.
If the anemia is severe, indicated by a dangerously low hemoglobin level, or if the patient is experiencing symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath at rest, or altered mental status, they will be immediately referred to an emergency department. These symptoms suggest the body’s organs are not receiving enough oxygen, which can be life-threatening and may require interventions such as a blood transfusion. Urgent care facilities cannot perform blood transfusions or manage acute crises.
For less severe, newly diagnosed anemia, the patient will be referred back to their Primary Care Provider (PCP) or a specialist, such as a hematologist. The urgent care CBC provides detection, but further testing is required to determine the underlying cause, which could be iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, or a chronic disease. The PCP or specialist is responsible for ordering follow-up tests, developing a long-term treatment plan, and monitoring the patient’s condition.