Likely Lab Test Results in People With Iron Deficiency
- A complete blood count would likely reveal microcytic anemia
- Low serum ferritin *see below
- Low serum iron
- High TIBC (total iron binding capacity)
- It is possible that the fecal occult blood test might be positive, if iron deficiency is the result of gastrointestinal bleeding.
As always, laboratory values have to be interpreted with the lab's reference values in mind and considering all aspects of the individual clinical situation.
Serum ferritin can be elevated in inflammatory conditions and so a normal serum ferritin may not always exclude iron deficiency, and the utility is improved by taking a concurrent C reactive protein (CRP).
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