Which lab findings are expected in iron deficiency anemia regarding ferritin and RDW?

In iron deficiency anemia, the expected laboratory findings include low ferritin levels and an increased red cell distribution width (RDW).

Ferritin serves as an indicator of the body's iron stores. In the context of iron deficiency, ferritin levels decrease because the body has depleted its iron reserves, leading to lower ferritin concentrations in the serum. This is a hallmark finding and helps confirm the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.

On the other hand, RDW measures the variation in the size of red blood cells. In iron deficiency anemia, as the body attempts to produce red blood cells with limited iron, there can be a greater variation in red blood cell size. This leads to an increase in RDW, and thus it is typically higher in cases of iron deficiency anemia.

Therefore, the laboratory findings of low ferritin along with high RDW are characteristic of iron deficiency anemia and are key components used in diagnosing this condition.