HomeAnswersHematologylow ferritin levelWill frequent blood test cause low ferritin levels?

I feel fatigue and pale with low ferritin levels. What is the cause?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. J. N. Naidu

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At February 2, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 28, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I want to ask you something about my blood test results. I did my blood testing four times this month. First time I did my beta HCG because my period was late. Then three days later, I had blood drawn for T3 and T4 testing because I have hypothyroidism. Then 15 days later, I had a test for STDs (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C, and B) as a yearly preventive measure, and last time I was tested by my GP because I was feeling very weak for nearly a month. All test results were good.

I am not pregnant, and my T3 and T4 levels are normal. I do not have any STD, and my results from GP are all good except for my ferritin level. She measured erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, HCT, thrombocytes, glucose, creatinine, ALB, AST, Fe, Ca, Na, K, CRP, and vitamin B12. All are normal, just ferritin was lower than normal (8 µg/L). I am quite pale and often fatigue. My blood pressure is about 100/62 and my pulse rate 90-100 bpm. She said my condition would be due to low ferritin level and prescribed Hemoplus. But I was paranoid if the only ferritin can cause such problems, so I started searching on the internet and read that low ferritin may be due to frequent blood drawing or donated blood. Could that be my case if they took a common blood sample? I mean, I do not know how much ml they take a blood sample and how many blood samples they had taken. Could my condition be really because of my low ferritin?

Answered by Dr. J. N. Naidu

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First, let me assure you that even if you donate about a liter (1000 milliliters) of blood every year, you will not become sick if you are otherwise healthy. Even if you get blood tests done 100 times, they will collect only 100 ml of blood from you, do not be paranoid repeated blood tests cannot cause illness.

Low ferritin is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia. Common causes of anemia are loss of blood due to hemorrhoids, loss of blood due to excessive menstrual blood, blood loss due to gastric ulcers, intestinal parasites, etc.

Take Albendazole 400 mg one tablet after dinner, only one tablet. Eat more boiled vegetables and fruits. Use lemon liberally when you cook foods. Eat one boiled egg daily.

Also, take Ferrous sulfate and Ascorbic acid one tablet daily after dinner for 30 days.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. J. N. Naidu
Dr. J. N. Naidu

General Practitioner

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