Questions and Answers
What does serum ferritin primarily measure?
What abnormality is commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency?
Which laboratory finding is least likely to be associated with B12 deficiency?
What does Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) primarily measure?
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Which of the following indicates an autoimmune cause of B12 deficiency?
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What condition is characterized by an increased red cell distribution width if iron deficiency is present?
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Study Notes
Iron Metabolism and Testing
- Serum Ferritin: Indicates iron storage levels in the body.
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): Measures transferrin; important for binding iron in the bloodstream.
- Serum Iron: Reflects the amount of circulating iron available in the blood.
B12 Deficiency Laboratory Abnormalities
- Macrocytic Anemia: Characterized by the presence of larger-than-normal red blood cells.
- Normocytic Anemia: May be observed with increased red cell distribution width if iron deficiency exists.
- Reticulocyte Count: Typically low in cases of B12 deficiency, indicating inadequate red blood cell production.
- Leukopenia and/or Thrombocytopenia: Mild reductions in white blood cells and platelets may occur.
- Hypersegmented Neutrophils: Identification on blood smears serves as a key indicator of B12 deficiency.
- Serum Vitamin B12 Level: Often found to be low in patients with deficiency.
- Elevated Serum Homocysteine and Methylmalonic Acid: These metabolites increase when B12 is deficient.
- Anti-Intrinsic Factor Antibodies: Can indicate autoimmune pernicious anemia; a potential cause of B12 deficiency.
- Pancytopenia: Represents a decrease in all blood cell types, which may be associated with severe B12 deficiency.
Hematological Findings
- Salmon Patch: A type of skin finding associated with various conditions.
- Black Sunbursts and Iridescent Spots of Hemosiderin: Reflect iron deposits in tissues.
- Silver Wiring: Observed in the context of retinal findings associated with various diseases.
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Description
Explore the key laboratory tests related to anemia and iron metabolism, including serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and serum iron. Understand the implications of various test results, especially in relation to B12 deficiency and anemia types.
