DD1's test results ferritin/serum folate levels need help understanding

[Nerris]

Hi,

My DD1 6 had a blood test last week for general health check as we've been concerned about her energy levels and overall health for a while now.

Her ferritin level came back at 9 and her serum folate level came back as 4.4.

The thyroid function test came back within normal range.

Can anyone help me understand what these mean? I gather they are low but I cant seem to find a point of reference for the 'normal' range.

Am seeing the Dr tomorrow but just need to get my head around it a bit before then.

Thanks.

[Nerris]

Anyone?

[Kizzandra]

Do you have an actual copy of the blood test results sheet which would have come back from the lab? There's a reference range printed on them.

[Nerris]

Hi Kizzandra, no my Dr's don't produce printed results. They will just expect me to go in and will tell me whether she was outside normal range and what I will need to do to rectify any issues.

I'm assuming she was outside the normal range otherwise they wouldn't request me to come in tomorrow.

[Kizzandra]

Googled this - might help:

Ferratin levels:
•12 to 300 ng/mL for adult males.
•10 to 150 ng/mL for adult females.
•25 to 200 ng/mL for newborns.
•200 to 600 ng/mL at 1 month old.
•50 to 200 ng/mL at 2 to 5 months old.
•7 to 142 ng/mL for children 6 months to 15 years.

Testing the folate level, which is also known as folic acid and vitamin B9, is primarily used in the diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia.

The reference range of the plasma folate level varies by age, as follows[1] :

•Adults: 2-20 ng/mL, or 4.5-45.3 nmol/L

•Children: 5-21 ng/mL, or 11.3-47.6 nmol/L

•Infants: 14-51 ng/mL, or 31.7-115.5 nmol/L

My DS (9) is extremely tired with low energy, ongoing for 12 months. We were recalled to doc with a slightly low ferratin level blood result and were advised to give Floridex which is a liquid form of iron and slightly kinder on the tummy than Ferrous Sulphate, which can cause constipation.

HTH

[Nerris]

Thanks Kizzandra, that's very helpful thank you.

So it looks possible that her serum folate levels are pretty low, the megaloblastic anemia sounds pretty scary, will have to google that.

Dd's symptoms have been ongoing for quite a while too, previous attempts at blood tests have failed as she refused the needle anywhere near her. I hate the thought of her suffering for so long.

I hope your son responds well to the additional iron and makes a full recovery soon, it's so awful to see them lethargic without their spark.

[Kizzandra]

DS hates the blood test too - this morning he was great though - I let him look at the photos on my phone which helped to distract him. I also bribed him with a treat afterwards which may have helped.

Hope you get some more info from your GP when you see them.