A patient with anemia is found to have a high level of serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) and a low level of serum ferritin. What does this indicate?

A Iron deficiency anemia ✓
B Anemia of chronic disease
C Sideroblastic anemia
D Pernicious anemia

Explanation

A high level of serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) indicates increased erythropoietic activity, while a low level of serum ferritin indicates depleted iron stores. This combination is characteristic of iron deficiency anemia.

Source

American Journal of Clinical Pathology
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Medium MEDICAL Confidence: high