ASH Guidelines on Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency

Over recent years, evolving data on the prevalence of iron deficiency in high-risk groups such as young children, menstruating individuals, and pregnant individuals, together with variable ferritin thresholds used across clinical settings, have highlighted the need for population-specific diagnostic thresholds in identifying affected individuals. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations to support diagnostic decision-making for individuals with suspected iron deficiency, with or without anemia.

View the Full Guidelines Download an Overview of the Guidelines

ASH Seeks Public Comment on Draft Recommendations for New Guidelines on Treatment of Iron Deficiency with and without Anemia:

ASH is now accepting public comments on draft recommendations on Treatment of Iron Deficiency With and Without Anemia. Comments will be accepted until November 5, 2026. We encourage all interested healthcare professionals, stakeholder organizations, and individuals to share their feedback on these draft recommendations. All comments will be reviewed by the guideline panel before the guidelines are finalized.

Treatment of ID/IDA Draft Recommendations

Guideline Implementation Tools and Resources

Visual Summary

This concise visual aid is intended to support understanding of the recommendations and to aid in clinical decision-making:

Visual Summary of Recommendations (PDF)

Implementation Tool

ASH's new diagnostic thresholds for iron deficiency are only as powerful as their implementation. This tool gives you the data and language you need to advocate for updated serum ferritin reporting at your institution.

Implementation Tool (PDF)

Teaching Slides

Educational slide sets to teach about diagnosis on iron deficiency.

Teaching Slides (PowerPoint)

Teaching Slides (PDF)

Quality Metrics Assessment Tool

A set of metrics to assess compliance with the ASH Clinical Practice Guidelines on Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency. Use this audit report to identify quality gaps at your institution and improve care for patients.

Quality Metrics Assessment Tool (PDF)

Iron Deficiency Initiative

Iron deficiency is one of the most common blood conditions worldwide, yet many people may not know they have it. Testing is often missed, and even when it is done, results are not always understood correctly. ASH is committed to raising awareness about iron deficiency and the ways it can affect daily life and overall health. See how ASH is working to improve care and support for those affected by iron deficiency.

Learn More About the Initiative