Screening for iron deficiency anemia 50 µl capillary blood samples obtained by fingerstick will be assessed for hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration. Measurement of hemoglobin concentration is the most useful test in screening iron deficiency anemia since it directly reflects the quantity of most abundant essential iron compound in the body. Children with hemoglobin concentration below 110g/l will be considered as anemic. In children with low Hgb identified through the initial screening, the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia will be confirmed by venepuncture Hgb, serum ferritin concentration, and serum transferrin receptor concentration. Haemoglobin concentration can be transiently depressed due to inflammation or infection, and in such a situation does not indicate pathological anemia. Of all the biochemical tests for assessing iron status, a low SF is the most specific test for iron deficiency. The major disadvantage of SF is that it is readily elevated in response to any infector inflammatory condition. One major advantage of sTfR is that unlike SF, sTfR is not significantly effected by infection or the inflammatory process. However, sTfR levels are increased in situations of increased RBC turnover such as hemolytic anemia, i.e. thalassemia, etc. A uniform cutoff value of >8.5 mg/l indicates an elevated sTfR and therefore iron deficiency or hemolytic anaemia.