Blood Physiology DEMO

Correct Diagnosis: Iron deficient

Incorrect Diagnosis

The very low values of the indices concerned with cell size and Hb content are good evidence for iron deficiency.

The cells can be seen to be microcytic and hypochromic.

The normal reticulocyte count effectively eliminates the haemolytic anaemias whilst platelet levels are often raised in iron deficiency especially due to haemorrhage.

Correct Diagnosis: Iron deficiency (dietary)

Incorrect Diagnosis

The results of the further tests confirm iron deficiency (lowered serum iron and ferritin, raised TIBC).

However these values differ only moderately from the normal ranges and this possibly suggests dietary iron deficiency as opposed to deficiency due to blood loss (haemorrhage).

The case history showing vegetarian tendencies should be enough to confirm the diagnosis.