What ferritin measures
Ferritin is the blood marker that reflects your body's stored iron, and it's the number your GP looks at most closely. Low ferritin means depleted stores. Reference ranges vary between labs, but many clinicians consider a ferritin below around 30 micrograms per litre to indicate deficiency, and levels in the teens or single digits to be significantly low.
One nuance: ferritin can be falsely raised by inflammation or infection, so it's interpreted alongside your symptoms and the rest of your iron studies, not in isolation.
There's no single cut-off for an infusion
There isn't one ferritin number that automatically means 'you need an infusion'. The decision depends on how low your iron is, how you feel, whether you've been able to take or absorb iron tablets, how quickly your levels need to be restored, and the underlying cause.
For example, someone with a very low ferritin who can't tolerate tablets, or who needs iron restored quickly, is more likely to be offered an infusion than someone mildly low who's doing fine on oral iron.
How the decision is made
Your GP reviews your iron studies together with your symptoms and history. If an infusion is appropriate, they arrange a referral to an accredited clinic. The infusion itself is done in person; the assessment and referral can be handled by telehealth.
If you've had a blood test showing low iron, book a consult to talk through what your numbers mean and whether an infusion, tablets, or dietary changes are the right next step for you.
Related condition
Iron infusion / low iron →References & sources
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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