Parameters for the assessment of iron status

The assessment of iron status at individual and populational levels has bee n the target of many studies because some issues still need to be defined A Medline, Lilacs and Dedalus literature review was carried out for the peri od of 1972 to 1998 and scientific publications in both English and Portugue se relating hematological and biochemical parameters were used in the asses sment of iron status. The parameters reflect the three different stages of iron storage deficiency, which occur in a gr gradual and progressive way le nding to the development of anaemia. In general, when used alone, these par ameters are neither sensitive nor specific for detecting iron deficiency an aemia. Moreover some advantages and limitations should be taken into consid eration for the choice of the appropriate parameter. To improve both sensit ivity and specificity, different parameters have been used in association a nd their specific contribution is determined according to the characteristi cs of the study population, methodological issues and the costs involved in the process.