What test is the most sensitive and specific for detecting iron-deficiency anemia?
A)Vitamin B₁₂ assay
B)Ferritin
C)RDW
D)Transferrin saturation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ferritin is the most sensitive and specific test for detecting iron-deficiency anemia. Ferritin levels decrease in the early stages of iron deficiency before anemia develops. Other tests such as transferrin saturation and RDW may also be abnormal in iron-deficiency anemia, but they are not as specific as ferritin levels. Vitamin B12 assay is not relevant to iron-deficiency anemia, as it assesses B12 levels and does not indicate iron deficiency.

What Test Is the Most Sensitive and Specific for Detecting