Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Intermedia => Topic started by: Stanza on August 02, 2007, 06:14:00 PM

Title: Test for Iron Levels
Post by: Stanza on August 02, 2007, 06:14:00 PM

I'm trying to find out which method, ideally a non-invasive type, is best to determine iron levels in the liver.  My Heme. dr. has been watching my ferritin levels for a while and I had an MRI scan of my liver a few years ago.  He has been advocating for me to have a liver biopsy, but since my ferritin level has usually been around the 300 range, I have declined.   As I mentioned in my earlier post, I went and saw a Thal. specialist at Yale University (Dr. Forget) who does feel I need some kind of follow-up to the initial MRI and he did mention the SQUID.  I did look at the Ferriscan site, but for some reason that website is no longer accessable.    My Heme. dr. has scheduled a follow-up MRI on Aug. 23.  I was hoping to find out if there is a better method before I have to go through the MRI scan again.

Joan

Title: Re: Test for Iron Levels
Post by: Andy Battaglia on August 02, 2007, 06:42:44 PM

If you can have a SQUID exam, do so. It measures heart iron and is the definitive test for cardiac iron load. It is well worth the travel to have the SQUID done.

I will try to find out what has happened with the ferriscan site. I was at the site last week and it was fine.

Title: Re: Test for Iron Levels
Post by: Stanza on August 02, 2007, 06:54:44 PM

So, you are saying that it measures both liver and heart iron levels?

Joan

Title: Re: Test for Iron Levels
Post by: Andy Battaglia on August 02, 2007, 07:50:24 PM

SQUID can be used to test for both liver and heart iron concentrations. If your insurance will cover it, SQUID is a must.

Title: Re: Test for Iron Levels
Post by: Andy Battaglia on August 03, 2007, 04:42:10 AM

I just checked the Ferriscan site and it was back up and running.

http://www.ferriscan.com/rh_findcentre--FindCentres