For Iron Deficiency Anemia
What labs will you order at the follow up appointment? Why?
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Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia caused by low levels of iron in the body. The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is confirmed by laboratory tests, which include complete blood count (CBC), serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). In a follow-up appointment, the labs that will be ordered depend on the severity of the anemia, response to treatment, and the underlying cause of anemia.
At the follow-up appointment, the CBC is the most important laboratory test to be ordered. The CBC will assess the patient’s hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, which provide information about the severity of anemia and response to treatment. If the patient’s hemoglobin and hematocrit levels have not improved, further investigations are necessary to determine the cause of anemia and ensure that there are no underlying conditions.
Serum iron, ferritin, and TIBC levels are also important tests to be ordered at follow-up appointments. Serum iron measures the amount of iron in the bloodstream, ferritin measures the amount of iron stored in the body, and TIBC measures the body’s capacity to bind iron. Low serum iron and ferritin levels, and high TIBC levels are indicative of iron deficiency anemia. These tests are essential in monitoring the patient’s response to treatment, as well as evaluating the adequacy of iron stores in the body.
Additionally, other laboratory tests may be ordered depending on the underlying cause of the anemia. For instance, if the anemia is due to a chronic disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, serum levels of vitamin B12, folate, and erythropoietin may be ordered. If the patient is menstruating, serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone may be ordered to rule out hypothyroidism, which can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
In conclusion, follow-up appointments are essential in the management of iron deficiency anemia. The CBC, serum iron, ferritin, and TIBC levels are important tests to be ordered to assess the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate the adequacy of iron stores in the body. Other laboratory tests may also be ordered based on the underlying cause of the anemia.
Reference:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Iron-Deficiency Anemia. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia