Which of the following is the most sensitive indicator of iron depletion during pregnancy?
Serum ferritin levels is the first line test of iron status in the body, because it is an early indicator of iron store depletion. Serum ferritin less than 15mcg/L is suggestive of absent body iron stores. Ref: Textbook of Therapeutics: Drug and Disease Management By Richard A. Helms, 8th Edition, Page 781 ; Clinical Laboratory Pearls By Steven L. Jones, Pages 67-8 ; Textbook of Obstetrics By D.C.Dutta, 6th Edition, Pages 265-6
Serum iron
Serum ferritin
Serum transferrin
Serum iron binding capacity