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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Low Ferritin And Pct Sat Readings In Blood Test Indicate?

I have recently had a couple of low readings on blood values: ferritin at 6.8 and Pct Sat (calc) of 11. What is Pct Sat and what does it mean that I have low readings? I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist, but not for three weeks. Should I draw these readings to his attention and encourage an earlier appointment?
Wed, 13 Aug 2014
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hi!
welcome to our site!
Your ferritin level is low.Low ferritin levels often mean an iron deficiency is present. This can be caused by long-term (chronic) blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy in females, not enough iron in the diet, or bleeding inside the intestinal tract (from ulcers, hemorrhoids or other conditions).
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is one of the hepatic porphyrias. Large amounts of porphyrins build up in the liver when the disease is becoming active several factors combine to cause a deficiency of UROD in the liverBlisters develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the hands and face. The skin in these areas may blister or peel after minor trauma. Increased hair growth, as well as darkening and thickening of the skin, may also occur...but this disease shows high iron and high ferritin.
hope this helps!Take care!
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What Does Low Ferritin And Pct Sat Readings In Blood Test Indicate?

Hi! welcome to our site! Your ferritin level is low.Low ferritin levels often mean an iron deficiency is present. This can be caused by long-term (chronic) blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy in females, not enough iron in the diet, or bleeding inside the intestinal tract (from ulcers, hemorrhoids or other conditions). Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is one of the hepatic porphyrias. Large amounts of porphyrins build up in the liver when the disease is becoming active several factors combine to cause a deficiency of UROD in the liverBlisters develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the hands and face. The skin in these areas may blister or peel after minor trauma. Increased hair growth, as well as darkening and thickening of the skin, may also occur...but this disease shows high iron and high ferritin. hope this helps!Take care!