What is a significant laboratory screening test for detecting iron deficiency in pregnant patients, especially those with a history of bariatric surgery?

The complete blood count (CBC) is indeed a significant laboratory screening test for detecting iron deficiency, particularly in pregnant patients. During pregnancy, the demand for iron increases due to the expansion of the maternal blood volume and the growth of the fetus and placenta. This increase makes pregnant individuals more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. The CBC helps in identifying anemia by measuring hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit levels, and red blood cell indices, which reflect iron status and overall blood health.

Additionally, women with a history of bariatric surgery are at an even greater risk for nutritional deficiencies, including iron, due to altered absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Regular monitoring of hematologic parameters through a CBC can provide essential insights into their iron status and the need for iron supplementation or further investigation.

Other options like folate levels, thyroid function tests, and urinalysis, although important in their contexts, do not specifically screen for iron deficiency anemia in the same targeted manner as the CBC does.