Iron Levels

[Lynzyc]

Hi,

Not sure anyone can shed any light on my situation, I have ET and only take aspirin as I'm low risk.

My GP called today after some bloods that I had taken some weeks ago due to previous high levels of iron. My saturation level is 46% which is classed as high but my ferritin level is 21 which i can see is normal (platelet level 480 so no concerns there), is this something that needs discussing with my consultant or should i just ignore it? My GP didn't offer any more bloods and that was the end of the call, I'm just confused with it all.

Any advice would help.

Thank you, Lyndsay x

[hunter5582]

You are asking a somewhat complicated question that requires an understanding of iron metabolism and what the test numbers indicate. Here is a bit of information.

• Serum iron. This test measures the amount of iron in your blood.

• Serum ferritin. This test measures how much iron is stored in your body. When your iron level is low, your body will pull iron out of “storage” to use.

• Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). This test tells how much transferrin (a protein) is free to carry iron through your blood. If your TIBC level is high, it means more transferrin is free because you have low iron.

• Unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC). This test measures how much transferrin isn’t attached to iron.

• Transferrin saturation. This test measures the percentage of transferrin that is attached to iron.

webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/iro...

Reference Ranges. Note that ranges may vary by lab.

Ferritin 15.0 - 200.0 ng/mL

Iron 50.0 - 212.0 mcg/dL

Iron Binding Capacity 250.0 - 425.0 ug/dL

Iron, % saturation 20.0 - 50.0 %

Iron Binding Capacity 250.0 - 425.0 mcg/dL

Iron Binding Capacity (unsaturated) 155.0 - 355.0

Many labs would indicate that saturation of 46% would be high normal, while ferritin of 21 is low normal. Understanding what this means would require looking at all of the iron test values and interpreting them accordingly. Suggest that since you are concerned you should ask your care team for a more thorough explanation.

Meanwhile, here is an excellent training on iron metabolism that may enhance your understanding of the conversation to have with your care team.

youtube.com/watch?v=ahCy97F...(Not working as expected?)

[Healthy6386]

Hi, I have high iron levels too, but I am also a carrier for hemachromatosis (heterozygous) which could possibly be contributing to the “secondary polycythemia” I have. My GP says it’ll result in me having higher iron levels than normal, but low risk of iron overload

[Wyebird]

hi there is ferritin , heamoglobin. Iron binding. The list goes on. I’m always low haemoglobin but ferritin way over the upper range. It’s so complicated. Keep a copy of all your blood tests so you can compare. I think your haematologist is the best person to discuss your levels with. Good luck

[Manouche in reply to Wyebird]

Did your haem investigate about the origin of your high ferritin level, as it may indicate some underlying causes, such as iron overload or hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells) ?

[Healthy6386 in reply to Manouche]

High ferritin can also come from high inflammation

[Wyebird]

yep can’t find any reason. Can’t take iron tablets because of it.