Transferrin saturation, ferritin, serum iron
Suspected etiologies
Iron deficiency
Remarks
Ferritin may be artificially elevated in chronic inflammatory states; transferrin saturation may be low in patients with cachexia
Fecal occult blood; upper and lower endoscopy
Suspected etiologies
GI-related blood loss
Remarks
Referral to gastroenterology may be required
TSH
Suspected etiologies
Thyroid related disorders
Peripheral smear, reticulocyte Multiple count / index, bone marrowbiopsy
Suspected etiologies
Multiple
B12 / folate
Suspected etiologies
Nutritional deficiency
Remarks
Uncommon in Canada
Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Suspected etiologies
Thalassemia; sickle cell disease
Remarks
Target testing to those in high prevalence population
Serum and urine protein electrophoresis
Suspected etiologies
Multiple myeloma, amyloidosis and other protein disorders