Copy of blood tests

[Emmy1991]

Finally got a copy of my test results. Refer to old posts for updates. But do my levels for all my other tests look ok? Does my ferritin need to be higher? It's 18

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Ferritin is a protein that enables the body to use iron. It isn't listed in the results above - but the iron related elements all look to be around the middle of the range.

However, raised MCV is a flag for macrocytosis and your MCH is towards the top of the range as well

Your red blood cell distribution width is towards the high end of the scale which could indicate that there is something going on that is masking part of the macrocytosis and causing some of the red blood cells to be smaller than they should be - which is something an iron deficiency would do.

Basically the test results above are a very narrow window and far from conclusive on anything but suggesting that it might be worth doing further investigations

[Emmy1991 in reply to Gambit62]

I'm aware of the MCV. I have a B12 def (198) and folate 2.91. So I'm on "weekly injections" til Jan then three monthly and I'm on 5mg folic acid.

[Sleepybunny]

There is an exclamation mark next to MCV which i think is the lab's way of indicating the result should be taken notice of. What did GP say about MCV result?

As Gambit says, high MCV can indicate the possibility of macrocytosis. Macrocytosis can occur in people with b12 deficiency and folate deficiency.

patient.info/doctor/macrocy...

labtestsonline.org.uk/under...

Have you been offered a blood smear , also known as blood film?

labtestsonline.org.uk/under...

[Emmy1991 in reply to Sleepybunny]

Yes I have a b12/folate def. but I know what docs are like missing others things on test results. Lol

[judburke]

18 for ferritin is usually very low but it is helpful to see what the iron readings are. If they are ok then 18 is low and you'll be having symptoms such as hair loss, tiredness and muscle aches.

If you try and raise it - take iron with Vit c to help absorption. Nb it takes a while for ferritin to raise and then a few weeks later for symptoms to improve

[Emmy1991 in reply to judburke]

I don't have any hair loss my hairdresser actually said my hairs in the best condition it's ever been in. Couldn't believe it lol tiredness yeas and muscle aches not really. Thank you.