New ASH Guidelines Aim to Improve the Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has released new evidence-based clinical practice guidelines designed to help healthcare professionals identify iron deficiency earlier and more accurately. The updated recommendations address longstanding inconsistencies in diagnostic testing and ferritin thresholds, with guidance for adults, young children, menstruating and pregnant individuals, and people with inflammation. See the announcement here.

Iron deficiency is common but frequently underrecognized, particularly among individuals at higher risk, including those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding or are pregnant. The new guidelines recommend updated serum ferritin thresholds to help clinicians recognize iron deficiency that may previously have gone undiagnosed, even when anemia is not present. These recommendations represent an important step toward improving recognition and care for individuals affected by iron deficiency.

Explore the Updated Guidelines
FWGBD encourages healthcare professionals to review the updated ASH guidelines and consider how these recommendations may inform the identification and management of iron deficiency in women and girls with blood disorders.

Visit our website to access the updated guidelines.
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Help Shape Future Treatment Guidelines
ASH is also inviting feedback on its draft recommendations for the treatment of iron deficiency, with and without anemia. Healthcare professionals, stakeholder organizations, patients, caregivers, and other interested individuals are encouraged to share their perspectives before the guidelines are finalized.

The public comment period is open through November 5, 2026. This is an opportunity to help inform recommendations that may shape future clinical practice.

Visit ASH’s Public Comment Guidelines page to review the draft treatment recommendations and learn how to submit feedback.

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