6071 Optimising investigations for iron deficiency anaemia in children younger than three years of age

Objectives To quantify the number of full blood counts (FBCs) and iron studies performed and repeated in children less than three years old in the outpatient setting. Methods Retrospective analysis of data collected for children less than 3 years of age who had a FBC and/or iron studies performed in the outpatient setting of St George's Paediatrics Department between March 2022 and February 2023. Results A total of 654 tests were performed on 352 patients, of which 191 (54%) patients had ≥2 blood tests performed on separate occasions over a one year period. Of the 654 tests performed, 463 (70%) were repeat tests. 615 FBCs were performed, of which 226 (37%) had a haemoglobin (Hb) value of <111 g/L. Of the 615 FBCs performed, 473 (77%) also had iron studies performed which showed an iron level (Fe) of <14 micromol/L in 356 (75%) tests. 168 patients had a low Hb, which was due to iron deficiency in 146 (87%) of patients. Conclusion The results support current evidence showing that iron deficiency anaemia is the most common form of anaemia in children.¹ The data suggests that over half of the blood tests performed are repeat samples, indicating that patients and their families have to travel to the hospital multiple times for these samples to be collected. These findings lead us to recommend combining FBC with iron studies in children less than 3 years of age requiring blood tests in the outpatient department, an approach that could save patients, families and the NHS a significant amount of travel time, stress and money. Reference Moscheo, Carla, et al. New insights into iron deficiency anemia in children: a practical review. Metabolites 25 Mar. 2022;12(4):289.