To diagnose the deficiency of iron, Serum iron & percent saturation are widely used. Chronic iron overload diseases especially Hemochromatosis are screened through this evaluation. Percent saturation usually appears increased or normal in iron deficiency, pregnancy and intake of oral contraceptives. Under Chronic inflammatory conditions, Malignancies & Hemochromatosis, a low TIBC if found. A sensitive indicator of iron deficiency is serum ferritin.
