[Laboratory diagnosis in iron deficiency anemia]

The diagnosis of iron deficiency is based, in first line, on clinical and hematological findings. Clinical-chemical laboratory investigations lend support to these findings, and may also provide differential diagnostic information. In particular with respect to the question whether an iron deficiency or an iron distribution disorder is presenting, clinical-chemical parameters can be of value. For the diagnosis of an iron deficiency and for the evaluation of the iron metabolism as a whole, determination of ferritin, transferrin and iron is adequate.