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An algorithm for the diagnosis of iron deficiency based on the best current evidence.
This represents how tests are interpreted and not the order of requesting them. Hb = haemoglobin; ID = iron deficiency; IDWA = iron deficiency without anaemia; TSAT = transferrin saturation. *Normal levels of haemoglobin are ≥130 g/L for males, ≥120 g/L for females and ≥110 g/L for a pregnant female. **Ferritin levels below 30 μg/L indicate ID; in chronic inflammatory conditions ferritin levels may be elevated and so the threshold is raised to 100 μg/L. Ferritin levels can be raised to 100–300 μg/L in chronic inflammation; in such cases TSAT levels must be used. Normal ranges can slightly vary according to the laboratory.
Flowchart summarising the management of iron deficiency without anaemia