Which CBC pattern is typical of iron deficiency anemia?

Which CBC pattern is typical of iron deficiency anemia?

• A. Macrocytic, normochromic with high MCV and high ferritin
• B. Normocytic, normochromic with normal ferritin
• C. Microcytic, hypochromic with low MCV, low ferritin, high TIBC, and low serum iron
• D. Microcytic, hypochromic with high ferritin and low TIBC

Answer: (C)

Iron deficiency anemia shows red cells that are small and pale because there isn’t enough iron for hemoglobin synthesis. Ferritin, which stores iron, is low, reflecting depleted iron stores. The body responds by making more transferrin to capture available iron, so the total iron-binding capacity increases. Serum iron falls as iron stores run low. Put together, the pattern is microcytic, hypochromic red cells with low ferritin, high TIBC, and low serum iron. This combination best fits iron deficiency and helps distinguish it from conditions with normal or high ferritin or from macrocytic anemias.

Iron deficiency anemia shows red cells that are small and pale because there isn’t enough iron for hemoglobin synthesis. Ferritin, which stores iron, is low, reflecting depleted iron stores. The body responds by making more transferrin to capture available iron, so the total iron-binding capacity increases. Serum iron falls as iron stores run low. Put together, the pattern is microcytic, hypochromic red cells with low ferritin, high TIBC, and low serum iron. This combination best fits iron deficiency and helps distinguish it from conditions with normal or high ferritin or from macrocytic anemias.