ANEMIA IN THE ELDERLY
|
Clinical Overview |
| Laboratory Parameters |
 |
Laboratory Parameters in Anemia Diagnosis | |||
|
Hemoglobin | |
Serum Ferritin | |
|
Hematocrit | |
Serum Folate | |
|
Total Reticulocyte Count | |
Serum Vitamin B12 | |
 |
Serum Iron | |
The Schilling Test | |
|
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) | |
Serum Erythropoietin | |
 |
|
|||
|
Serum iron is the concentration of bound iron to transferrin, the iron transport protein. Usually transferrin is about one-third bound or saturated.
Serum iron levels may be decreased in iron-deficiency anemia or anemia or chronic disease. Iron-deficiency anemia may present with serum iron levels within normal range, resulting in a false negative.
 |
 |
 |
Therefore, serum iron levels alone are not adequate for diagnosis, and are best when interpreted with TIBC.
Serum iron levels are increased during hemolytic anemia and iron overload.
©2007 Geriatric Consultant Resources LLC.
All Rights Reserved.
Site Reviewed August 2007
