Anemia in the long-term care setting: routine screening and differential diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the epidemiology of anemia in the geriatric patient, to identify common diagnostic issues in this population, and to determine practical strategies for overcoming barriers to the recognition of anemia in older adults. DATA SOURCES: Recent literature, epidemiological studies, and clinical practice guidelines related to the diagnosis and management of anemia in older adults. DATA EXTRACTION: This clinical review includes data relevant to routine screening and the differential diagnosis of anemia in the long-term care setting. DATA SYNTHESIS: Anemia is often unrecognized and untreated in the long-term care setting. The adverse effects of anemia (morbidity, mortality, and decreases in quality of life) on the geriatric population make its management a high priority. A proactive approach to screening and diagnosis is required in this setting. CONCLUSION: Anemia is often unrecognized and under-diagnosed in the geriatric population, especially in the long-term care setting. Because anemia has been associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates and with decline in quality of life, strategies must be implemented for screening and treating geriatric patients for anemia.