Question

A 45-year-old male construction worker presents with fatigue and exertional dyspnoea. Laboratory tests show haemoglobin 92 g/L, MCV 72 fL, ferritin 8 µg/L. According to Canadian guidelines, what is the most important next step in evaluating this iron deficiency anaemia?

Accepted Answer

Order colonoscopy to evaluate for gastrointestinal blood loss

Answer

Start oral iron and assume dietary deficiency

Answer

Order vitamin B12 injections immediately

Answer

Ignore anaemia and repeat lab work in 1 year

Answer

Refer directly for bone marrow biopsy

Practice question

A 45-year-old male construction worker presents with fatigue and exertional dyspnoea. Laboratory tests show haemoglobin 92 g/L, MCV 72 fL, ferritin 8 µg/L. According to Canadian guidelines, what is the most important next step in evaluating this iron deficiency anaemia?