negative CT bc of anemia?

[hardyharhar]

Why would a head CT be read as negative for bleed if the patient has anemia? Thanks.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[ScooterBanks]

Heme is responsible for the attenuation, giving acute blood it's brightness seen on CT. If the HCT, and consequently the heme concentration in blood is low, acute blood will not have it's characteristic brightness. In theory, if the heme concentration/HCT is low enough, you may miss acute blood and read it as normal, or subacute/chronic.

 

[hardyharhar]

Thanks, man