Diagnostics

Question 1

• Indirect measure of circulating transferrin (which iron binds to).
• Distinguishes iron deficiency anemias from chronic inflammation anemias.
• Increases in anemia, because more space for iron to bind
• Specific but not sensitive

Answer 1

Total Iron Binding Capacity

Question 2

• Major iron storage protein.
• Indicative of iron levels.
• Can initially rise in acute phase rxns, only to later drop

Answer 2

Serum Ferritin

Question 3

• Analyzes all blood components

- Can differentiate and quantify

Answer 3

CBC

Question 4

• Detects different types of Hgb

- Used to test for sickle cell and thalassemias

Answer 4

Hgb electrophoresis

Question 5

-Breakdown of heme pigments (Hgb and consequently RBCs)

Answer 5

Bilirubin

Question 6

• Count of young RBCs

- Seen with high turnover of RBCs and anemias

Answer 6

Reticulocyte count

Question 7

Increased levels seen in B12 deficiency

Answer 7

Methylmalonic Acid