In the differential diagnosis of microcytic anemia, a high TIBC specifically points toward iron deficiency over 'Anemia of Chronic Disease' (ACD) because in ACD:
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Correct answer: TIBC is low because hepcidin suppresses transferrin
Anemia of chronic disease is characterized by low serum iron but *low* TIBC and *high* ferritin. This 'iron sequestration' is driven by hepcidin, which reduces iron availability despite high storage levels, helping distinguish it from true iron deficiency.
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