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blood test results

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gillian_25383
gillian_25383

My last two methotrexate screening blood tests have shown a high haemoglobin level (>16-am 58yr old female).Is this common?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy gillian_25383

    Posted

    The normal haemoglobin level for women is 12-15.5 g/d and for men 13.5 - 17.5 g/d so you are not very much over. I find some of my blood tests go under/over the "normal" level occassionally. If your doctor is not worried, that should be fine.
  • EileenH
    EileenH gillian_25383

    Posted

    Mine last week was 15.8 - actually a bit lower than mine is normally.

    The range is for all women and what is found over a large population. Women who are still menstruating often have lower levels - the loss of blood every month keeps it down. Once your periods stop - it often goes up if you are eating a good diet with plenty of iron.

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga gillian_25383

    Posted

    My haemoglobin is much lower.  After initial test my doctor now checks my ferritin level.  Does anyone know the difference between haemoglobin and ferritin and whether one or the other is more important as an indicator of iron sufficiency?
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy Anhaga

      Posted

      Ferratin is our major iron storage protein. Haemoglobin is a protein found in the red blood cells which makes the blood look red and carries oxygen around the body to the tissues from the lungs. It then takes carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Both are used to measure our iron levels. 
    • EileenH
      EileenH Anhaga

      Posted

      As ptolemy says, ferritin is our main iron storage protein - and you can have a normal haemoglobin with a low ferritin because you aren't absorbing iron for some reason and your body is using up its stores.

      Ferritin  is another acute phase reactant so can also be used in the same way as ESR and CRP - it rises in states of inflammation. It on its own doesn't mean a lot, it is used in combination with other tests and physical examinations.

    • Anhaga
      Anhaga EileenH

      Posted

      So if ferritin is very low does that mean the inflammation is also not as serious?  She says hopefully.  cry
    • EileenH
      EileenH Anhaga

      Posted

      I don't think so - it just means you are deficient in iron stores and could develop anaemia quite quickly.
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