Ferritin retest.

[Ladybelle2015]

I was diagnosed with b12 deficiency in January, given loading doses, and the 3 monthly top ups. Iron & folate were low too so was given iron tablets and 5mg folic acid. Since then haven't heard anything from the surgery - although was told the doctor would phone me.

Got home from work today and there's a letter from the surgery telling me to go for blood tests to check iron levels. Is this standard practice? Also should I be going in the morning or afternoon and do I need to fast?

Keep getting so much conflicting advise that I don't know what's best to do. Thanks in advance.

[KimberinUS]

If you are onky being tested for ferritin (stored iron) fasting is not required. However, if you are having a full iron panel, then yes, 8 hour fast AND no iron pills for 24 hours

healthcommunities.com/blood...

[Ladybelle2015 in reply to KimberinUS]

Just says folate, ferritin and FBC on the form.

Thanks.

[KimberinUS in reply to Ladybelle2015]

Foggy us saying fast needed for folate

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Ladybelle2015.

I agree with KimberinUS about the ferritin test 😀.

You will need to fast before the folate test (the test measures folate in the bloodstream so the test is affected by any folate ingested and absorbed prior to the test). Best to having nothing after midnight (including water - or for twelve hours prior to the test if you can only get a late-in-the-day appointment 😖).

Your GP is doing the right thing by re-testing you for both folate and ferritin😀. He can then reasses if you need to continue with the supplements, and at what dose (over-supplementing with either can be damaging to health and cause some quite unpleasant side-effects).

As you will have been fasting all night, it's best to get an early morning appointment if you can.

Here's more information about both tests:

healthline.com/health/folic...

healthcommunities.com/blood...

Good luck...hope all goes well.

👍

[Ladybelle2015]

Great thanks!

I'll go and queue in the morning then.