American Society of Hematology sets new ferritin thresholds for iron deficiency

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has released new clinical guidelines in the journal Blood Advances to improve the early and accurate diagnosis of iron deficiency. The updated metrics establish higher serum ferritin thresholds to address inconsistent testing standards and the fact that up to 70 percent of cases in high-risk populations often go overlooked.

Under the new guidelines, iron deficiency is identified by specific ferritin levels: children aged 9 months to 4 years at 20 ng/ml or less; adults and individuals of childbearing potential at 30 ng/ml or less; and high-risk groups, such as pregnant individuals with anemia, at 50 ng/ml or less. For adults with inflammation, the threshold is set at a serum ferritin lower than 100 ng/ml or a transferrin saturation below 20 percent.

Iron deficiency can manifest as fatigue, weakness, and cognitive issues even before anemia develops. By identifying depleted iron stores earlier, these guidelines aim to prevent the subsequent decline in cellular function affecting the immune system, muscles, and brain.