In Rosie’s NOVA results, which finding indicates anemia?

• A. Decreased PCV/TS
• B. Increased PCV
• C. Increased platelets
• D. Increased bilirubin

Answer: (A)

Low PCV indicates anemia because PCV is the percentage of blood that is made up of red blood cells. A lower value means there are fewer red cells circulating, reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, which defines anemia. In Rosie’s NOVA results, the decreased PCV (and the accompanying low TS on that panel) reflects reduced erythrocyte mass. The other findings don’t fit anemia: higher PCV would mean more red cells, not anemia; higher platelets point to a platelet response; higher bilirubin suggests hemolysis or liver processing issues rather than a primary drop in red cell mass.