Iron Deficiency Calculator
Calculate parenteral iron deficit using the Ganzoni equation from weight, hemoglobin levels, and iron stores.
Iron Deficiency and Parenteral Replacement
Iron deficiency anemia is common and may require intravenous iron when oral supplements fail or are not tolerated. Clinicians use the Ganzoni equation to estimate total iron deficit before planning infusion doses. This calculator applies that formula from body weight and hemoglobin values. For related blood indices, see the Hematocrit to Hemoglobin Ratio Calculator.
The Ganzoni Equation
Iron deficit in milligrams equals body weight in kg multiplied by the difference between target and actual hemoglobin in g/dL, multiplied by 2.4, plus iron stores. Iron stores are estimated as 15 mg per kg for patients under 35 kg and 500 mg for heavier adults unless measured directly.
Clinical Use
The result represents cumulative iron needed to restore hemoglobin and replenish stores. Infusions are typically split into 100 to 200 mg doses given over multiple sessions, not as a single bolus. Always confirm dosing with institutional protocols and treat underlying causes of blood loss or malabsorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hemoglobin target should I use?
Common targets are 15 g/dL for men and 12 to 15 g/dL for women, but pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, and other conditions may require individualized goals set by your physician.
What does the 2.4 factor represent?
It combines blood volume as a fraction of body weight, hemoglobin iron content, and unit conversion from grams to milligrams in the Ganzoni formula.
Can I use this for oral iron dosing?
The Ganzoni equation is validated for parenteral iron planning. Oral absorption differs, so oral regimens require separate clinical guidance.
What are symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Common signs include fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, dizziness, brittle nails, and restless legs. Diagnosis requires laboratory confirmation, not symptoms alone.
How is iron deficit divided into infusions?
Total deficit is usually given in repeated doses of 100 to 200 mg iron over weeks, following product labeling and monitoring for infusion reactions.
Related Tools
Heart Disease Risk Calculator
YouTube Money Calculator
EMV
Social Media Specs
DART Rate Calculator
Bird Age
YAML To JSON Schema Generator
Even Numbers Generator
Periodic Compound Interest Calculator
SVG Path Optimizer
Convert Hex to Image
Cobb Douglas Production Function Calculator
Refinance Calculator
Increment Integers
Loan to Deposit Ratio Calculator
Instagram Caption Generator
XOR Hex Numbers
Caesar Cipher
Wind Turbine Calculator
Convert Ascii To Utf8