Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide to Achieve Your Fellowship Success!

The hemogram indicating a hemoglobin level of 9.5 g/dL and a hematocrit of 28% is suggestive of anemia, which is characterized by low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia of chronic disease often presents with mild to moderate anemia, typically with normal or increased ferritin levels, unlike iron deficiency anemia where ferritin levels are low due to depleted iron stores.

Anemia of chronic disease is frequently seen in individuals with ongoing inflammation, infection, or chronic illness, and is often reflected in hemoglobin levels in this range. Common conditions associated with it include autoimmune diseases, chronic kidney diseases, or cancers. This type of anemia results from the body’s response to chronic illness, leading to a reduced availability of iron for erythropoiesis and altered erythropoietin response.

In contrast, iron deficiency anemia would usually present with lower ferritin levels and microcytic red blood cells. Pernicious anemia is a specific type of macrocytic anemia resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency, which would often show a much different hematologic profile. Alpha thalassemia minor also typically shows mild anemia, but it often has higher red cell counts or microcytosis, making it