A 68-year-old woman has microcytic anaemia (Hb 88 g/L, MCV 70 fL) with low ferritin. She is post-menopausal and denies menorrhagia. What is the most a...

Question

A 68-year-old woman has microcytic anaemia (Hb 88 g/L, MCV 70 fL) with low ferritin. She is post-menopausal and denies menorrhagia. What is the most appropriate next step in investigating the cause?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy

Answer

Treat with iron tablets only and no further investigation

Answer

Check vitamin B₁₂ and folate only

Answer

Reassure that anaemia is age-related

Answer

Start erythropoietin therapy

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Iron deficiency anaemia – GI malignancy work-up

A 68-year-old woman has microcytic anaemia (Hb 88 g/L, MCV 70 fL) with low ferritin. She is post-menopausal and denies menorrhagia. What is the most appropriate next step in investigating the cause?