In this first lesson, you learned that hemoglobin in the red blood cells picks up oxygen and gives red blood cells their color. You've learned about the most common form of anemia, called iron-deficiency anemia, and that blood loss and low-dietary intake of iron-rich foods are two of the common causes. You also learned how it's WIC's goal to help prevent iron-deficiency anemia through iron-rich food nutrition education.

You've learned about the symptoms, consequences, and causes of anemia. And you've learned about a condition called hyperhemoglobinemia, where the body produces too much hemoglobin. You've also learned about the exceptions for doing blood tests, like religious beliefs or hemophilia.

Next up, you'll learn how to use a device called the Masimo Pronto to perform the actual hemoglobin test without a finger poke in Lesson Two.