Which laboratory value is the best indicator of iron status?

Which laboratory value is the best indicator of iron status?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Hematocrit
• C. Ferritin
• D. Serum iron

Answer: (C)

Ferritin is considered the best indicator of iron status because it reflects the body's stored iron. It is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. When the body has sufficient iron reserves, ferritin levels will be within a normal range; conversely, low ferritin levels can indicate depleted iron stores, even before hemoglobin levels drop. Hemoglobin and hematocrit are important for assessing anemia, but they do not specifically indicate iron stores. Hemoglobin levels can remain normal even in the setting of low iron stores if the body is compensating. Similarly, hematocrit can be influenced by factors such as hydration status and volume of blood, making it less reliable for assessing iron deficiency on its own. Serum iron measures the amount of circulating iron in the blood, but this value can fluctuate greatly throughout the day and is affected by recent dietary intake, thus making it a less stable indicator of overall iron status. Overall, ferritin provides a more accurate and stable reflection of the body’s iron reserves, making it the preferred laboratory test for evaluating iron status.

Ferritin is considered the best indicator of iron status because it reflects the body's stored iron. It is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. When the body has sufficient iron reserves, ferritin levels will be within a normal range; conversely, low ferritin levels can indicate depleted iron stores, even before hemoglobin levels drop.

Hemoglobin and hematocrit are important for assessing anemia, but they do not specifically indicate iron stores. Hemoglobin levels can remain normal even in the setting of low iron stores if the body is compensating. Similarly, hematocrit can be influenced by factors such as hydration status and volume of blood, making it less reliable for assessing iron deficiency on its own.

Serum iron measures the amount of circulating iron in the blood, but this value can fluctuate greatly throughout the day and is affected by recent dietary intake, thus making it a less stable indicator of overall iron status.

Overall, ferritin provides a more accurate and stable reflection of the body’s iron reserves, making it the preferred laboratory test for evaluating iron status.