Laboratory Evaluation of Microcytic Anemia

In the uncomplicated patient a ferritin under 35 ng/dl in a male is indicative of iron deficiency. In young women 12 ng/dl is the level suggestive of deficiency but a ferritin between 12-35 may also be indicative of depleted iron stores. In patients over 65 a ferritin less than 45 ng/dl is indicative of depleted iron stores. ................
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