[Appropriate use of laboratory tests ‒ serum iron testing]
Gonthier K, Méthot M, Neveu B, Robitaille H
Record ID 32018016116
French
Original Title:
Utilisation judicieuse des analyses biomédicales - Dosage du fer sérique
Authors' objectives:
Serum iron testing faces several challenges regarding its relevance, including its low
sensitivity and specificity, as well as the significant daily fluctuations in serum iron levels,
which do not adequately reflect iron stores. In Quebec, the number of serum iron tests
performed has remained relatively stable in recent years but still represents a substantial
volume of use. The objective of this work is to develop a guidance sheet on appropriate
use in order to reduce the volume of low-value procedures within Quebec’s healthcare
system.
Authors' results and conclusions:
RESULTS: After the analysis of the information gathered and an iterative process with stakeholders,
the following non-indications and indications were formulated:
The measurement of isolated serum iron is not indicated:
• for detecting iron deficiency.
There is no indication for isolated serum iron testing in routine medical practice CONCLUSION: The guidance sheet that was developed aims to mobilize, guide, and equip healthcare
professionals to encourage more appropriate use of serum iron testing. It may thus
contribute to reduce the number of annual test requests and associated costs and
workload, while also generating a positive environmental impact.
Authors' methods:
A review of the literature on indications and recommendations related to serum iron
testing was conducted using INESSS’s rapid review methodology. Healthcare
professionals provided experiential and contextual knowledge specific to Québec.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2026
URL for published report:
https://www.inesss.qc.ca/fileadmin/doc/INESSS/Rapports/Biologie_medicale/AnBio_Fer_serique_GN_INESSS.pdf
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Other
Country:
Canada
Province:
Quebec
MeSH Terms
- Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
- Iron Deficiencies
- Biomarkers
- Hematologic Tests
- Medical Overuse
Contact
Organisation Name:
Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux
Contact Address:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS) , 2021, avenue Union, bureau 10.083, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 2S9;Tel: 1+514-873-2563, Fax: 1+514-873-1369
Contact Name:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Contact Email:
demande@inesss.qc.ca
Copyright:
L'Institut national d'excellence en sante et en services sociaux (INESSS)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.