Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
National Bleeding Disorder Foundation Clinical Practice Recommendations for Laboratory Screening of Iron Deficiency
Glaivy Batsuli1, Magdalena D Lewandowska2, Ming Y Lim3
1Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.
Insights
This consensus document provides recommendations for screening and managing iron deficiency in individuals with inherited bleeding disorders. It highlights higher diagnostic thresholds for anemia and iron deficiency, addressing undertreatment concerns.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Internal Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- The National Bleeding Disorder Foundation (NBDF) Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC) provides guidance for the bleeding disorders community.
- Iron deficiency with and without anemia is a concern in individuals with inherited bleeding disorders.
- Current literature lacks standardized screening and management guidelines for this high-risk population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the undertreatment and misdiagnosis of iron deficiency in the inherited bleeding disorder community.
- To establish consensus recommendations for iron deficiency screening and management.
- To provide guidance in the absence of published standardized approaches.
Main Methods:
- Formation of an Iron Deficiency Taskforce with diverse expertise.
- Development of consensus recommendations based on taskforce and MASAC member input.
- Review of limited published peer-reviewed data on prevalence.
Main Results:
- Identifies individuals at risk for iron deficiency with or without anemia.
- Provides consensus recommendations on screening indications, approach, and management.
- Suggests higher diagnostic thresholds for anemia (< 13 g/dL hemoglobin) and iron deficiency (< 50 ng/mL ferritin).
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to understand the impact of iron deficiency in inherited bleeding disorders.
- These recommendations aim to improve the identification and management of iron deficiency in this population.
Introduction:
The National Bleeding Disorder Foundation (NBDF) Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC) was formed in 1954 and issues recommendations and advisories pertinent to the bleeding disorders community. MASAC is comprised of > 25 rotating members from different medical disciplines and lived experience experts.
Aim:
The Iron Deficiency Taskforce was formed to address the concern for undertreatment and misdiagnosis of iron deficiency with and without anemia in the inherited bleeding disorder community. Members included MASAC members and individuals outside of MASAC with clinical, research, and lived experience expertise and/or interest in iron deficiency and screening in the bleeding disorders community. Currently, there are no published standardized approaches, guidelines, or recommendations that address iron deficiency screening for a population of individuals at high risk of experiencing iron deficiency and its associated complications METHOD: Due to the limited published peer-reviewed data on the prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia in this population, this document was devised by consensus recommendations amongst members of the Iron Deficiency Taskforce with additional review and feedback from all MASAC members.
Result:
This document identifies individuals within the inherited bleeding disorder population at risk for iron deficiency with and without anemia providing consensus recommendations on indications for screening, approach to screening, and general management considerations if iron deficiency and anemia are identified. Recommendations for higher hemoglobin (< 13 g/dL) and ferritin (< 50 ng/mL) thresholds for anemia and iron deficiency diagnoses, respectively, are also discussed.
Conclusion:
Further research is necessary to understand the impact of iron deficiency in inherited bleeding disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
01:24Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:30Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management