Iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnancy is most commonly evaluated by which investigation that is considered the 'gold standard' for assessing iron stores?
- A Bone marrow biopsy with Prussian blue staining ✓
- B Serum ferritin
- C Serum iron with TIBC and transferrin saturation
- D Peripheral smear showing microcytic hypochromic anemia
Correct answer: A. Bone marrow biopsy with Prussian blue staining
Explanation
Bone marrow examination with Prussian blue staining for iron stores remains the gold standard for diagnosing iron deficiency. However, for clinical practice in pregnancy, serum ferritin is the most practical and widely used test — a ferritin < 15 ng/mL (or < 30 ng/mL in the presence of inflammation) indicates depleted iron stores. Bone marrow biopsy is invasive and not routinely performed in pregnancy but conceptually remains the reference standard.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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