Hematology: microcytic anemia: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Hematology: microcytic anemia

Sample item

Which iron-study pattern most strongly supports iron-deficiency anemia?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Low ferritin with increased total iron-binding capacity

Iron deficiency typically lowers ferritin, the body's storage marker, and increases total iron-binding capacity. Ferritin can rise as an acute-phase reactant, so inflammatory context matters.

Option by option

  • A. Normal ferritin with marked reticulocytosis after hemolysis

    Reticulocytosis after hemolysis reflects increased marrow response to red-cell destruction.

  • B. High ferritin with low total iron-binding capacity

    This pattern is more compatible with anemia of chronic inflammation.

  • C. Low ferritin with increased total iron-binding capacity (correct)

    Correct. Low stores and increased binding capacity are classic iron-deficiency findings.

  • D. High vitamin B12 level

    Vitamin B12 relates to macrocytic anemia rather than iron deficiency.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is C, Low ferritin with increased total iron-binding capacity. Iron deficiency typically lowers ferritin, the body's storage marker, and increases total iron-binding capacity.

Why is "Normal ferritin with marked reticulocytosis after hemolysis" not the answer?

Reticulocytosis after hemolysis reflects increased marrow response to red-cell destruction.

Why is "High ferritin with low total iron-binding capacity" not the answer?

This pattern is more compatible with anemia of chronic inflammation.

Why is "High vitamin B12 level" not the answer?

Vitamin B12 relates to macrocytic anemia rather than iron deficiency.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hematology: microcytic anemia in General Medicine. Ferritin can rise as an acute-phase reactant, so inflammatory context matters.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Hematology: microcytic anemia?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.