Iron Deficiency Anemia

2 min read

INTRODUCTION

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency anemias worldwide. It develops when iron demands are not met by iron absorption, resulting in depleted iron stores and insufficient iron supply for erythropoiesis.

Test Catageory
فئة التحليل

Hematology

Refrence Books
كتب مراجع

1. Daice & Lewis Practical Hematology

Skills Required
المهارات المطلوبة

1. Microscopy
2. Good Interpretation

Video Resources
مصادر فيديو

عربي
English

Etiology (Causes)

The most common causes are chronic blood loss and inadequate dietary iron intake. Excessive menstrual losses, gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers or malignancies, and blood donations can lead to iron deficient erythropoiesis over time. Inadequate iron intake is often seen in infants, children, pregnant women, and those with poor nutritional status. Malabsorption conditions like celiac disease can also contribute.

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiologically, iron deficiency progresses from depleted iron stores to impaired iron supply for erythropoiesis and finally anemia when the iron-deficient red cell mass dilutes the normal hemoglobin concentration. The anemia is microcytic and hypochromic due to the reduced hemoglobin content within each red cell.

Sample Type

1. Peripheral blood collected in EDTA for complete blood count and peripheral smear (PBP)
2. Serum sample for iron studies

Tests Required to Diagnose IDA

Complete Blood Coun (CBC)t:
1. Measure hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC) using automated analyzer
2. Review blood smear stained with Wright stain under microscope for RBC morphology

Iron Studies:
1. Determine serum iron concentration using colorimetric assay kit
2. Measure total iron binding capacity (TIBC)
3. Calculate transferrin saturation: Transferrin saturation = Serum iron / TIBC x 100
4. Quantify serum ferritin levels by immunoassay technique

Additional Tests:
1.. CRP to assess for underlying inflammation
2. Stool occult blood if gastrointestinal bleeding suspected
3. H pylori testing if peptic ulcer disease suspected
4. Hemoglobin electrophoresis if thalassemia needs exclusion

Result Interpretation

1. Microcytic, hypochromic RBCs on smear
2. Low MCV, MCH, MCHC
3. Low serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation
4. Elevated TIBC
5. Normal to high CRP indicates anemia of chronic disease