Iron Deficiency Anemia Labs/Diagnostics: which finding is typically observed?

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Multiple Choice

Iron Deficiency Anemia Labs/Diagnostics: which finding is typically observed?

Iron deficiency anemia shows depleted iron stores, so the most specific and typically observed lab finding is a low serum ferritin. Ferritin directly reflects stored iron, and as stores become exhausted, ferritin levels drop early—even before notable changes in RBC size or overall anemia appear. While anemia (low hemoglobin/hematocrit) and microcytosis (low MCV) can occur, they are not as specific as ferritin. RDW is usually elevated in iron deficiency due to more variation in red blood cell sizes, not decreased. So the best answer is low serum ferritin.

Iron deficiency anemia shows depleted iron stores, so the most specific and typically observed lab finding is a low serum ferritin. Ferritin directly reflects stored iron, and as stores become exhausted, ferritin levels drop early—even before notable changes in RBC size or overall anemia appear. While anemia (low hemoglobin/hematocrit) and microcytosis (low MCV) can occur, they are not as specific as ferritin. RDW is usually elevated in iron deficiency due to more variation in red blood cell sizes, not decreased. So the best answer is low serum ferritin.

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