A 55-year-old man is found to have iron deficiency anaemia (Hb 95 g/L, microcytosis) on routine bloods. He reports no overt bleeding but has lost 6 kg...

Question

A 55-year-old man is found to have iron deficiency anaemia (Hb 95 g/L, microcytosis) on routine bloods. He reports no overt bleeding but has lost 6 kg unintentionally over 3 months. He is otherwise well. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent upper and lower GI endoscopy under a 2-week-wait referral

Answer

Start oral iron and review in 6 months, no further tests

Answer

Order a CT brain

Answer

Prescribe folic acid supplements only

Answer

Reassure that this is likely due to diet alone

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Iron deficiency anaemia of unknown cause

A 55-year-old man is found to have iron deficiency anaemia (Hb 95 g/L, microcytosis) on routine bloods. He reports no overt bleeding but has lost 6 kg unintentionally over 3 months. He is otherwise well. What is the most appropriate next step?