‘Serum ferritin’ decrease in blood test results

[AI1601]

Looking through my recent blood test history and this caught my eye although my GP didn’t mention anything.

May 2019
Serum ferritin: 130 ug/L (15-275)
Haemolgobin: 142 g/L (135-180)

April 2021
Serum ferritin: 81 ug/L
Haemoglobin: 152 g/L

So looks like the level of iron stored in my body almost halved. Does this warrant further investigation? All other results were fine including a coeliac screen as a family member has it.

[Riley Blue]

May 2019
Serum ferritin: 130 ug/L (15-275)
Haemolgobin: 142 g/L (135-180)

April 2021
Serum ferritin: 81 ug/L
Haemoglobin: 152 g/L

I wouldn't be concerned if those were my results. The acceptable lower and upper limits are shown in brackets (bold) and you were comfortably within them in April.

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

AI1601 said:

Looking through my recent blood test history and this caught my eye although my GP didn’t mention anything.

May 2019
Serum ferritin: 130 ug/L (15-275)
Haemolgobin: 142 g/L (135-180)

April 2021
Serum ferritin: 81 ug/L
Haemoglobin: 152 g/L

So looks like the level of iron stored in my body almost halved. Does this warrant further investigation? All other results were fine including a coeliac screen as a family member has it.

At this stage I wouldn't worry. Get it checked again in another 6-12 months and see what that shows.

RE coeliac screen, the test is pretty poor in terms of reliability. If it says you have it, you have it. If it says you don't, there's still a chance you do (it's only approx 50% accurate, crazily). The single best test is an elimination diet - remove it TOTALLY for about 3 weeks, after that, have a couple of days where you heavily introduce it again and see if you get a reaction/change in any symptoms. That is better than any single lab test.

[Badda]

These fluctuate daily, even hourly. It's well within expected levels and so put it out of your mind.

[AI1601]

Thanks all. Probably my inner hypochondriac coming out there!