How Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed? Iron-deficiency anemia is diagnosed by blood tests that should include a complete blood count (CBC). Additional tests may be ordered to evaluate the levels of serum ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity, and/or transferrin. In an individual who is anemic from iron deficiency, these tests usually show the following results:
Low hemoglobin (Hg) and hematocrit (Hct) Low mean cellular volume (MCV) Low ferritin Low serum iron (FE) High transferrin or total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) Low iron saturation The peripheral smear or blood slide may show small, oval-shaped cells with pale centers. In severe iron deficiency, the white blood count (WBC) may be low and the platelet count may be high or low.