Comparison of tests for diagnosis of iron depletion in pregnancy

Abstract The serum ferritin level was used to diagnose iron depletion in 137 pregnant patients who came to an inner-city hospital outpatient clinic. Seventy-three patients (53.3%) had ferritin levels l , indicating iron depletion. The prevalence of iron depletion was 29% in the first trimester, 64% in the second trimester, and 71% in the third trimester ( p