FAQ

Your blood test indicates low iron levels, which may suggest iron deficiency. This condition is assessed using a set of tests that primarily measure two key proteins: Ferritin and Transferrin Saturation.

  • Ferritin – A protein that stores iron, mainly in the liver. Its levels reflect the body's overall iron reserves. A low ferritin level (Ferritin level below 30μg/L)
  • Transferrin Saturation – Transferrin is responsible for transporting iron to the bone marrow, where it’s used to produce new red blood cells. In iron deficiency, transferrin becomes underutilized, leading to low transferrin saturation ("T stats" less than 20%).Elevated transferrin and low transferrin saturation are suggestive of iron deficiency even in the presence of a normal or elevated ferritin.

It is essential to have blood tests within four weeks of requesting IV iron to ensure accurate assessment and safe administration.

Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin and red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. As the key "building block" of red blood cells, iron ensures the efficient transport of oxygen to organs and tissues.

When iron levels are low, haemoglobin production declines, leading to a reduced number of red blood cells in circulation. This drop results in anaemia, clinically defined as:

  • Haemoglobin (Hb) < 120 g/L in women
  • Haemoglobin (Hb) < 130 g/L in men

Even before anaemia develops, iron deficiency can affect red blood cell quality. Low iron levels result in smaller-than-normal red blood cells (microcytic), detected by a low MCV, and reduced haemoglobin content within cells (low MCH) on blood tests.

Maintaining adequate iron levels is crucial for preventing fatigue, supporting cognitive function, and ensuring overall well-being.

Iron deficiency can result from several factors, including:

  1. Inadequate Dietary Intake
  • Not consuming enough iron-rich foods, especially in vegetarian or vegan diets.
  • Poor absorption due to excessive intake of tea, coffee, or calcium-rich foods that inhibit iron absorption.
    1. Blood Loss
    • Heavy menstrual periods.
    • Gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancers.
    • Frequent blood donation or surgeries.
      1. Increased Iron Demand
      • Pregnancy, due to higher iron needs for fetal development.
      • Growth spurts in children and adolescents.
      • Intense physical activity, especially in endurance athletes.
        1. Chronic Conditions & Malabsorption
        • Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or kidney disease that impair iron absorption.
        • Certain medications that interfere with iron uptake.
          1. Other Contributing Factors
          • Long-term use of antacids or proton pump inhibitors, which reduce stomach acid needed for iron absorption.
          • Cancer treatments that affect iron metabolism.

What to Expect During Your Infusion

The clinic nurse will place a drip in your arm, ensuring it is correctly positioned within a vein. To confirm proper placement, a flush of cold saline may be used, which you might briefly feel traveling up your arm. Careful attention is given to ensuring the infusion runs smoothly, sometimes requiring an additional flush or saline drip before administering iron. In rare cases, the cannula may need to be repositioned.

One potential complication is tissue

leakage, which can cause skin staining. Every precaution is taken to minimize this risk, though in rare cases, the stain may be permanent.

Common Side Effects

While pre-medications are generally avoided due to potential side effects, some individuals experience temporary flushing reactions (Fishbane effect), similar to sensations during a CT scan. These reactions typically occur within minutes of starting the infusion and can be managed by slowing or briefly pausing the process.

In approximately 1-2% of cases, individuals may experience brief symptoms such as flushing, lightheadedness, dry cough, chest tightness, nausea, or dizziness. These typically resolve within 20-40 seconds when the infusion is paused. If needed, an antihistamine or steroid may be administered before resuming treatment at a slower

Hives or skin rashes occur in about 1 in 200-500 patients, which is why post-infusion observation for 30 minutes is advised. These reactions usually resolve with antihistamines, and individuals prone to allergies may be advised to take antihistamines preemptively

Serious side effects, such as swelling of the hands or feet or anaphylactic-like reactions (e.g., paleness, swollen lips, itching, dizziness, chest tightness, difficulty breathing), are extremely rare. Our team is fully trained to handle such situations, with all necessary protocols and equipment in place.

Safety & Risk Considerations

Approximately 3% of patients experience mild side effects, which are generally self-limiting. The risk of severe complications is exceptionally low—estimated at fewer than 10 cases per million.

 

Next steps

If you’re ready to proceed with an iron infusion, here’s what happens next:

  1. Pre-Treatment Consultation – A virtual or in-person consultation to review your medical history, discuss any concerns, and confirm suitability for IV iron therapy.
  2. Blood Tests – You will need recent blood work (within four weeks) to assess your iron levels and ensure safe administration.
  3. Appointment Scheduling – Once approved, you’ll book your infusion at a convenient time.
  4. Iron Infusion Procedure – On the day of treatment, a clinic nurse will administer your infusion, ensuring comfort and monitoring for any reactions.
  5. Post-Treatment Observation – After the infusion, you’ll be monitored for 30 minutes before leaving.
  6. Follow-Up & Recovery – Guidance on what to expect in the days following treatment, including any recommended follow-ups.