Question:

My blood work results says my Iron, Serum is 164 ug/dl with reference range of 35-155 ug/dl. I am a 49 yr, old white female, 5`7″ AT 130 lbs avg. weight. I am very active, and have no symptoms. Is this something I should worry about or have further testing done?

Answer:

The serum level of 164 ug/dl does appear slightly high.  I would usually recommend in this situation to repeat a serum iron with a total iron binding capacity and maturation index.  Along with these tests, I would also obtain a ferritin level.  With all of these tests in combination, one can get a better idea of whether or not an iron overload state is indeed present.

If such is the case, further work-up with an expert in hemochromatosis would be appropriate to consider genetic testing or other possible causes for iron overload.

For more information:

Go to the Hemochromatosis health topic.