Preoperative IV Iron Anaemia — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModeratePerioperative MedicinePreoperative IV Iron AnaemiaFRCA Final

A patient with iron deficiency anaemia (Hb 98 g/L) is listed for elective hip replacement in 6 weeks. What is the recommended intervention?

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Correct answer: B — IV iron infusion (ferric carboxymaltose)

Preoperative anaemia is an independent risk factor for mortality. IV iron (ferric carboxymaltose 1000 mg) is preferred over oral iron when surgery is within 6 weeks — oral iron takes 6-8 weeks for meaningful Hb rise. NICE/RCOA recommend IV iron for preoperative anaemia correction. Transfusion is inappropriate for stable preoperative anaemia.

Reference: NICE – 2023 – NG24 Blood transfusion; RCOA/CPOC – 2023 – Perioperative anaemia