Comprehensive Iron Deficiency test, or not?

Hi,

I'm very new to the whole Thalassaemia thing, but I'm beginning to learn thanks to this amazing resource.
I'm researching for my Niece, who has Thal Beta Minor, she's 14 and is feeling very tired lately.

After blood tests a week ago, the doctors seem to think she's Iron Deficient. Having read about and
experienced the majority of doctors being very poorly informed about Thal, I went looking for detailed
information.

So, to make a long story short, could anyone experienced in these things, take a look at the attached
blood tests and tell me if they're a reliable indicator of actual Iron Deficiency please?
The doctor says she definately is, but having read various posts here, I see that what is really needed is
a full Iron Studies, and I've no idea if the attached is.

If I've forgotten to mention anything, I'm sorry. As I say all this is very new.

Thankyou

To determine positive or not iron
deficiency, ferritin test should be
done. Judging from the number
of hemoglobin and hematocrit
alone is not enough. Although
normally ubiquitous iron
deficient patients must had
a low hemoglobin. And for
thalassemia minor, almost all
patients without disturbing
symptoms. Unless hemoglobin or
hematocrit drops and will lead to
anemia. Hope it helps.

Only the serum ferritin level is given, but that is quite low. It would help to also test the serum iron and TIBC if they were not already checked. The folate level is definitely low, and folic acid supplements should be taken. I recommend this for all thal minors. Both folate deficiency and iron deficiency can cause fatigue etc so it may be a combination of both. I would suggest 1-2 mg folic acid daily. It's already very important for all women of child bearing years, but even more important for thal carriers, as it is needed for the production of red blood cells.

Thankyou for the responses I'll see if we can get a more thorough test done.