Should I worry about my beta-thalassemia blood test results?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have beta-thalassemia. My doctor ordered some blood tests and the reports are as follows:
1. Iron saturation - 9 micromol/L.
2. Vitamin B12 - 1960 pg/mL.
3. Folate - 14.2 ng/mL.
4. Ferritin - 8 ng/mL.
5. HbA1c - 5.8 %.
6. Hemoglobin - 10.2 g/dL.
7. RDW - 21.8 %
I am taking Losartan 50 mg, Famotidine 40 mg, and Atorvastatin 10 mg. What should be my next course of action?
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern.
As per the attached report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), iron saturation, ferritin, and hemoglobin with MCV (mean corpuscular volume) are low. So secondary iron deficiency anemia might be present. For that, an iron tablet course can be prescribed.
If no specific test was done for beta-thalassemia, then after correction of iron deficiency, hemoglobin electrophoresis by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) method can be done to rule out beta-thalassemia. A stool occult blood test also should be done.
Your vitamin B12 level is high, for which no obvious cause is identified here, as liver and kidney profiles are normal. If you have taken any vitamin B12 supplement, it can also be high. Repeat vitamin B12 after a few days. If still high, then I will do further work up. Now consult a nearby physician or hematologist for examination and discuss all these.
I hope this clarifies your concern.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.
Have a great day ahead.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Read answers about:
beta thalassemiaDisclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.