My doctor refused to do an iron test because he said my hemoglobin was fine, (he also missed a later confirmed case of multiple sclerosis which an mri caught after i complained so much) so i really wonder if he knows what he's talking about.
2007-01-28 13:49:42 · 4 answers · asked by Kirk 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Vin, your instincts are correct. Anemia only occurs in the LAST STAGE of iron deficiency. There are more useful lab tests for identifying earlier stages of deficiency than just looking for signs of anemia. These tests include:
1) Transferring iron-binding capacity
2) Plasma ferritin
3) % Transferrin saturation
You may need to find a more competent doctor.
Best wishes and good luck.
2007-01-28 15:56:29 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't hold the MS thing against him. Until the advent of MRI, it was routine that it took years to diagnose because of the subtlety and variability of initial symptoms. In theory, you could be recently iron-deficient and not yet anemic, but your doctor is correct. Medical testing is not nearly so straightforward and reliable as people think. If the results of the serum iron/iron binding capacity &/or ferritin were to show a little iron deficiency, would you believe those tests or the original one? Study Bayes theorem and the sensitivity and specificity of those tests before you get too critical. What he actually did was make a split-second decision based on those factors, and I bet it'll take you weeks to do a good job of that little "homework assignment." Pretty impressive on his part, if you think about it.
2007-01-29 12:29:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually yes. Will depend on your red cell indicies: MCV, MCH, and MCHC.
Generally a person with a MCV < 70 (mean corpuscular volume) is considered microcytic anemia, even if your Hbg/Hct is within range. Conversely, a MCV >112 or so is considered a form of Pernicious Anemia. In this form of anemia, oftentimes B12/Folate test will tell you alot too.
Would suggest having a second opinion.
2007-01-29 17:04:03 · answer #3 · answered by Rat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THis is simple. If your Dr. is not listening to you or you do not have confidence in you Dr. find a new one. They are a dime a dozen.
Find one that will listen to you and take the time to explain things to you.
good luck
2007-01-28 14:05:33 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋