Which of the following is the most sensitive early laboratory indicator of depleted iron stores in a patient developing iron deficiency anemia?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Decreased serum ferritin level
Serum ferritin levels reflect the total body iron stores in the liver and bone marrow. It is the first laboratory parameter to decrease during the 'pre-latent' stage of iron deficiency, well before any changes in red cell morphology or hemoglobin occur.
Keep practicing
More Iron Deficiency Anemia questions
- In the United States, what is the most likely underlying cause of iron deficiency anemia in an adult male or a postmenopausal female until…
- Which of the following descriptions best characterizes the peripheral blood smear findings in established iron deficiency anemia?
- How does the Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) typically change in iron deficiency anemia, and why?
- Which of the following clinical findings is part of the Plummer-Vinson syndrome triad associated with chronic iron deficiency?
- A 25-year-old female with heavy menstrual bleeding presents with pica, specifically a craving for ice. What is the clinical term for this s…
- Which protein acts as the primary 'gatekeeper' of iron absorption in the duodenum and is regulated by Hepcidin?