Bone marrow testing may be considered to assist in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, but is not necessary when there is a clear history of iron deficiency supported by other laboratory markers.
Tests for iron deficiency anemia include blood and bone marrow images, iron metabolism tests, erythrocyte free protoporphyrin and zinc protoporphyrin, and serum transferrin receptor. These tests are intended to be co-diagnostic, but bone marrow testing is not necessary when there is a clear history of the disease and multiple tests support the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.
The bone marrow picture of iron deficiency anemia is characterized by active proliferation, mainly of red lineage cells, while young red blood cells are smaller in size, with dense color and texture of nuclei, and poor hemoglobin formation. In addition, granulocytes and megakaryocytes are usually not significantly altered.
The diagnosis and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia require the professional guidance of a physician, so please consult a doctor promptly if there is any physical abnormality.