Iron-deficient COPD

[mogs302]

Has anyone here used private blood testing for iron-deficient anaemia in COPD? I want to find out if I have improved my re blood cells, but my NHS doctor won't order it yet.

[Fennella02]

I have frequent blood testing for IDA but NHS, not private. Not sure if I’ve understood your question properly.

[SeasideSusie]

I've done an Iron Deficiency Check with Medichecks but that is basically an iron panel plus CRP. That can be done with a fingerprick test. However, you can do a full blood count with them although you need to arrange a venous blood draw for that test.

medichecks.com/

[mogs302 in reply to SeasideSusie]

What is CRP? I think an iron panel will do because what I want to know is whether my red blood-cell count has improved after a month of beefing up (livering up) my iron intake. Wouldn't an iron panel do it?

[SeasideSusie in reply to mogs302]

CRP = C-Reactive Protein, an inflammation marker.

The iron panel includes Ferritin, Serum Iron, Transferrin Saturation, TIBC (Total iron-binding capacity) and UIBC (Unsaturated iron binding capacity). It doesn't include red blood cell count. You'd need a Full Blood Count for that.

Click on the link I gave you and have a look at the tests they do.

[Ern007]

Not sure what you mean. I have COPD and had a low blood count which my GP found and was prescribed Ferris Sulphate for Iron Deficiency . That teast as nost are are available on the NHS,

[knitter]

A blood test showed that I was anaemic.

Will your g p give you a blood test later? Did they say why you can’t have a repeat test yet?

[Grandmatojack]

I had blood test for kidney function and they found out that my haemoglobin was very low and I had to go and have a transfusion straightaway also had to have an iron infusion at the same time and one a week later. Had to wait a month for a repeat test to make sure that I was back to normal and keeping there which luckily I was. So I would insist that a month after your first blood test you had another and can’t understand why your doctor is refusing.

[lKeith]

mogs302

Hi, No I haven't gone private for this test but am due a blood test any day now thro' the NHS

but I will be tested for anemia as my blood count is dropping. Hoping the iron meds they have put me on have done the trick.

Not a solace but a person in the same boat, will know in a few days what route to take.

IKeith