Haematology: iron deficiency anaemia: practice question

A Pathology 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.

Try it

Pathology · Haematology: iron deficiency anaemia

Sample item

Which iron study pattern best fits uncomplicated iron deficiency anaemia?

AHigh ferritin and low total iron-binding capacityBNormal ferritin with low soluble transferrin receptorCHigh serum iron and high transferrin saturationDLow ferritin and high total iron-binding capacity

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Low ferritin and high total iron-binding capacity

Iron deficiency depletes storage iron, lowering ferritin, while the liver increases transferrin production, raising TIBC. Cells also increase soluble transferrin receptor expression.

Option by option

A. High ferritin and low total iron-binding capacity
This pattern is more typical of inflammation-related iron sequestration.
B. Normal ferritin with low soluble transferrin receptor
Soluble transferrin receptor rises in iron deficiency.
C. High serum iron and high transferrin saturation
High serum iron is incompatible with usual iron deficiency.
D. Low ferritin and high total iron-binding capacity (correct)
Correct. Low stores and increased iron-binding capacity are classic.

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.

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, Low ferritin and high total iron-binding capacity. Iron deficiency depletes storage iron, lowering ferritin, while the liver increases transferrin production, raising TIBC.

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

This pattern is more typical of inflammation-related iron sequestration.

Why is "Normal ferritin with low soluble transferrin receptor" not the answer?

Soluble transferrin receptor rises in iron deficiency.

Why is "High serum iron and high transferrin saturation" not the answer?

High serum iron is incompatible with usual iron deficiency.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Haematology: iron deficiency anaemia in Pathology. Cells also increase soluble transferrin receptor expression.

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 Haematology: iron deficiency anaemia?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.