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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Phlebotomy
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Phlebotomy
by ChrisBry, Apr 08, 2007 12:00AM
Hi there I am a 33 year old male & found out I had hemochromatosis 10 years ago.
I had a phlebotomy 3 months ago ferritin was 26.
Just had my test checked again here they are:
Iron 175 High (35-150)
TIBC 268 (260-400)
Iron Sat 65% High (11-46%)
Ferritin 15 Low
WBC 5.0
RBC 5.15
Hematocrit 44.4
HGB 16.6
MCV 86
MCH 32.1h (27.0-31.2)
MCHC 37.3h (31.8-35.4)
RDW 11.6 (11.6-14.8)
I was wondering why my iron & iron saturation is high & my ferritin is 15?Would it be okay to get a phlebotomy?The last one was 3 months ago.
I had a phlebotomy 3 months ago ferritin was 26.
Just had my test checked again here they are:
Iron 175 High (35-150)
TIBC 268 (260-400)
Iron Sat 65% High (11-46%)
Ferritin 15 Low
WBC 5.0
RBC 5.15
Hematocrit 44.4
HGB 16.6
MCV 86
MCH 32.1h (27.0-31.2)
MCHC 37.3h (31.8-35.4)
RDW 11.6 (11.6-14.8)
I was wondering why my iron & iron saturation is high & my ferritin is 15?Would it be okay to get a phlebotomy?The last one was 3 months ago.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 09, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 09, 2007 12:00AM
Iron deficiency can present with this picture. Hemochromatosis typically would have an elevated ferritin level, not a low one.
Obtaining a colonoscopy to evaluate for any sources of GI bleeding can be considered. However, with a non-revealing CBC, this is less likely.
You can also obtain a hematology consult, and have a peripheral smear looked at under a microscope.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Obtaining a colonoscopy to evaluate for any sources of GI bleeding can be considered. However, with a non-revealing CBC, this is less likely.
You can also obtain a hematology consult, and have a peripheral smear looked at under a microscope.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
