USPSTF Recommendation on Screening and Supplementation for Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy

To the Editor The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently released a recommendation restating that “the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in pregnant persons to prevent adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.” We are concerned that if clinical judgment regarding whether to screen for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and whether to provide routine iron supplementation during pregnancy is not done in a liberal fashion, serious consequences may arise for female patients who have complex blood group antigen constellations. Similarly, screening for iron deficiency during pregnancy may be important for individuals who do not want to receive donor blood.