Page 1 of 20
Lab Tests and Anemia Insights |
Questions and Answers | 2026 Update
| Graded A+ William Paterson
University.
1. A patient has microcytic, hypochromic anemia. Which lab test
is most specific for iron deficiency?
a) Serum ferritin
b) Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
c) Hemoglobin electrophoresis
d) Reticulocyte count
Answer: a) Serum ferritin
Rationale: Ferritin reflects iron stores; low ferritin (<15 ng/mL) is
,Page 2 of 20
highly specific for iron deficiency anemia (IDA). TIBC is elevated
in IDA but less specific.
2. Which anemia shows an elevated MCV?
a) Iron deficiency anemia
b) Anemia of chronic disease
c) Vitamin B12 deficiency
d) Thalassemia trait
Answer: c) Vitamin B12 deficiency
Rationale: Macrocytic anemia (MCV >100 fL) occurs in
B12/folate deficiencies. Iron deficiency and thalassemia are
microcytic; ACD is normocytic.
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 has Hb
8.2 g/dL. The most likely anemia type is:
a) Iron deficiency
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b) Hemolytic anemia
c) Anemia of chronic disease with reduced erythropoietin
d) Sideroblastic anemia
Answer: c) Anemia of chronic disease with reduced
erythropoietin
Rationale: CKD causes erythropoietin deficiency → normocytic
normochromic anemia. Hepcidin may also be elevated.
4. Peripheral smear shows schistocytes. Which condition is most
likely?
a) Folate deficiency
b) Hereditary spherocytosis
c) Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
d) Sickle cell anemia
Lab Tests and Anemia Insights |
Questions and Answers | 2026 Update
| Graded A+ William Paterson
University.
1. A patient has microcytic, hypochromic anemia. Which lab test
is most specific for iron deficiency?
a) Serum ferritin
b) Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
c) Hemoglobin electrophoresis
d) Reticulocyte count
Answer: a) Serum ferritin
Rationale: Ferritin reflects iron stores; low ferritin (<15 ng/mL) is
,Page 2 of 20
highly specific for iron deficiency anemia (IDA). TIBC is elevated
in IDA but less specific.
2. Which anemia shows an elevated MCV?
a) Iron deficiency anemia
b) Anemia of chronic disease
c) Vitamin B12 deficiency
d) Thalassemia trait
Answer: c) Vitamin B12 deficiency
Rationale: Macrocytic anemia (MCV >100 fL) occurs in
B12/folate deficiencies. Iron deficiency and thalassemia are
microcytic; ACD is normocytic.
3. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 has Hb
8.2 g/dL. The most likely anemia type is:
a) Iron deficiency
, Page 3 of 20
b) Hemolytic anemia
c) Anemia of chronic disease with reduced erythropoietin
d) Sideroblastic anemia
Answer: c) Anemia of chronic disease with reduced
erythropoietin
Rationale: CKD causes erythropoietin deficiency → normocytic
normochromic anemia. Hepcidin may also be elevated.
4. Peripheral smear shows schistocytes. Which condition is most
likely?
a) Folate deficiency
b) Hereditary spherocytosis
c) Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
d) Sickle cell anemia
