Which lab value is expected in iron deficiency anemia?

In iron deficiency anemia, the expected laboratory findings indicate a deficiency of iron in the body. An important characteristic of this condition is an elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), which typically exceeds 450 mcg/dL. This occurs because the body increases its production of transferrin, a protein responsible for transporting iron, in an effort to maximize the acquisition of available iron due to the insufficient iron stores.

In iron deficiency anemia, ferritin levels are usually low, reflecting depleted iron stores. Hemoglobin levels typically decrease as iron is vital for hemoglobin synthesis, leading to low hemoglobin values. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) usually remains normal or may be low, depending on the severity of the anemia, rather than elevated. Hence, while TIBC is increased in iron deficiency anemia, low values are seen in conditions like chronic illnesses.

Therefore, the correct assertion about elevated TIBC aligns with the pathophysiological response of the body attempting to compensate for the iron deficiency, making it the correct choice in this context.