Ferritin level range

[Girlslovescifi]

Three months ago my ferritin level was 47 (10-227) and this week is also measured 47, however the range is now 10-337. Does that mean my ferritin is actually lower than last time? I do feel as though I need more.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

possibly…..but it could be you just got moved to different category

Are you post menopause

Med have high range on ferritin than pre menopause women

Ferritin for men typically 15-400 approx

Ferritin for (pre menopause) women 15-150 approx

[Girlslovescifi in reply to SlowDragon]

I’m nearly 67, so very post menopausal.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Girlslovescifi]

So your ferritin is pretty low

Have you done full iron panel test via Medichecks…if GP won’t

Look at increasing iron rich foods in diet

[Girlslovescifi in reply to SlowDragon]

Is this complete?

Text

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Girlslovescifi]

No. You have a full blood count, bone profile and a lipid panel there.

An iron panel consists of

Serum iron

Transferrin saturation percentage

Total iron binding capacity

Ferritin

This would show if you have iron deficiency.

You can have iron deficiency with or with anaemia.

Your full blood count does not show anaemia.

You can have low ferritin without iron deficiency.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Girlslovescifi]

medichecks.com/products/iro...

Will flag SeasideSusie and humanbean to comment on results

[Girlslovescifi in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Girlslovescifi]

That results sheet says that ferritin results can be up to 40% lower than the previous method, so that's telling you they have changed the "method" of testing, that might just mean they have changed the range or it might mean they have changed their testing equipment or procedure.

Previous result: 47 (10-227) = 13.86% through range

New results: 47 (10-377) = 10.08% through range

So comparing the two results, your new result is way lower than the "up to 40% lower" that could be expected but whether that shows an improvement or deterioration I really can't figure out!

[Girlslovescifi in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you. I wish I knew!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Was that the same lab that did the test?

If so, I suspect they have simply decided to increase the top of the reference interval.

We've long had the situation where even if you are way over the top of the ferritin reference interval, nothing is done. (I'm currently in that position.)

Looks to me that they are formalising that "ignore" by raising the number!

Not necessarily wrong, but it might reduce and delay the number having high and rising ferritin being noticed.

[Girlslovescifi in reply to helvella]

I think it was the same lab. Think they’re done at our local NHS hospital but could be wrong.

[Charlie-Farley in reply to helvella]

Hi helvella

Hmmmm, changing thresholds saves money doesnt it? 😂Insanity laugh (I cease to be surprised) I concur with your suspicions. Everything bad in medicine is about saving money.

[svedderfamily in reply to helvella]

My ferritin is high (360) post menopause and Dr told me to give blood. Have given 3 times and hope to retest soon. You could try that. According to the book, Dumping Iron, a 150 lb person's level will go down 30pts by giving a pint of whole blood. But wait until one month after donating blood to retest ferritin.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to svedderfamily]

Thank you.

Can't remember which requirement I failed on, but I cannot give blood now!

Mine was well over 400 but it did drop in my next test -= haven't got the number to hand.