[Diagnosis of depleted iron stores--do not use s-iron].

BACKGROUND

Analysis of s-ferritin is recommended for the diagnosis of depleted iron stores, but other parameters are still in use. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy for s-iron, s-transferrin, transferrin saturation, b-hemoglobin and erythrocyte-MCH in diagnosing depleted iron stores.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data was collected from the Health Study of Nord-Trøndelag, 1995-1997. Blood samples from 3029 women aged 20-45 were analysed for iron status. In absence of bone marrow aspirate, s-ferritin was used as the standard for iron deficiency.

RESULTS

Highest diagnostic accuracy was found for s-transferrin. S-iron did not contribute with significant independent information.

INTERPRETATION

S-iron should not be used in the diagnosis of depleted iron stores.