Question

a 13 - year - old female patient presents with apparent iron deficiency? which of the following would be the most helpful in confirming the diagnosis?
a) bun
b) alt
c) tibc
d) total bilirubin

Explanation:

• BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) measures kidney function, not iron status.
• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) is related to liver function, not iron deficiency.
• TIBC (Total Iron - Binding Capacity) is a key test for iron deficiency. In iron deficiency, TIBC is increased as the body tries to bind more iron.
• Total bilirubin is related to liver and hemolytic processes, not iron deficiency.

Answer:

C. TIBC