31.   All patients being investigated for iron deficiency anaemia of gastrointestinal origin should have either rigid or flexible sigmoidoscopy.

32.   Routine blood tests of renal function and liver function and clotting studies are unhelpful in the investigation of patients with iron deficiency anaemia.

33.   Earlier detection of carcinoma of the bowel by the use of faecal occult blood screening tests should reduce the number of these patients presenting with iron deficiency anaemia.