Clinical QuickieHematology/Coagulation
Iron Studies
Ferritin alone can lie when inflammation is present.
Know what each test represents
Ferritin reflects iron stores but rises with inflammation. Serum iron varies. TIBC/transferrin and transferrin saturation add context.
Iron deficiency has a pattern
Low ferritin is strongly supportive when truly low; low transferrin saturation and increased binding capacity can strengthen the picture.
Inflammation changes the pattern
Ferritin may look normal or high despite restricted available iron. Interpret the full panel with the clinical context.
Find the reason for deficiency
Menstrual loss, GI blood loss, malabsorption, diet and increased requirements matter. In adults, unexplained deficiency deserves a source.
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