Iron Testing - NHS

[QUE6T-33]

Grateful to hear your experience Iron Tests on NHS.

Needed full panel, but advised only Ferritin available NHS.

Penny

[sporty333]

Yeah I only got ferritin tested and when that came back ok, I wasn't allowed any further iron tests....:0/

[Hidden in reply to sporty333]

Hi sporty, you might find my reply below helpful. Xx

[Hidden]

Same goes for me, went with a list of vitamin test I was told to ask for but it cost the surgery too much money.

Its the cost - were not worth it chucks xxx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hiya, you might find my reply below helpful too xx

[Hidden]

That's not true. You can get a full panel done on the NHS. Go to my profile at read my recent blog about iron. There's a link to my previous blog which talks about blood tests. Hopefully something there might help you. Sorry it's a bit long winded to find but I'm typing this on my phone and not sure how to link to it let me know if you can't find it!xx

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hidden]

You are, in general, quite right. But the Maidstone lab says this:

As part of test rationalisation iron studies should be monitored via ferritin alone. Iron/transferrin saturation remain available in exceptional circumstances.

You can get that by visiting this page:

mtw.nhs.uk/pathology/master...

And clicking on "I".

However the original poster did not explain that. But then nor did she explain which other tests she needs/wants - because quite a few iron-related tests are included in standard Full Blood Counts.

I would not be surprised to see this becoming more common.

Somewhat ironic (both meant and a joke) that we have seen other doctors refusing ferritin but agreeing other iron tests.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Hehe!

How odd they would refuse ferritin and do other tests. On what basis? I presumed that ferritin would be the cheapest and the others more expensive.

I would be inclined to argue with them that hypothyroidism is an exceptional circumstance as ferritin can appear falsely elevated due to inflammation. Do you think that might wash with them? Desperately trying to find a way round all this red tape!

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hidden]

It has been argued that high ferritin is, or can be, misleading. E.g.when ill with other diseases or in malnutrition.

Some medics prefer to base their consideration on other measures.

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Sorry, who is the Maidstone lab? I've not heard of them.

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hidden]

The pathology laboratory of the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

[QUE6T-33 in reply to helvella]

Hi Rod, Penny the original poster.

Nice - one Thanks for info. I had elevated Ferritin - reason for it had to be checked out.

Had private panel which indicated 40% Saturation, TIBC + Transferrin below range. Just had re-test, but once again only Ferritin offered.

Just had result - normal!

Thanks to all that posted

Penny