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What Is The First Step To Workup?

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Posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2025
Question: what is the first step to workup?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
ferritin is an inflammatory marker

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

if your serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) do not indicate a high transferrin saturation then ferritin will have to be interpreted as an inflammatory marker. Ferritin may rise in various inflammatory disorders (including autoimmune disorders), tumors and liver disorders. Even fatty liver may result in a high ferritin level although not as high as 3000ng/mL.

A liver ultrasound scan may provide additional clues. Your medical history is important as well. If you have any symptom, it may be helpful. If you don't have symptoms then I would focus on liver disorders and start with the ultrasound scan and continue with a basic search for tumors. Clinical examination to detect enlarged lymph nodes, spleen and liver are the first things to check. X-rays of the chest and ultrasound of the abdomen could be the next step in this regard.

If you'd like to upload your test reports I'll be glad to have a look and check whether other clues exist or not.

Kind Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis,
Internal Medicine Specialist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3818 Questions

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What Is The First Step To Workup?

Brief Answer: ferritin is an inflammatory marker Detailed Answer: Hello, if your serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) do not indicate a high transferrin saturation then ferritin will have to be interpreted as an inflammatory marker. Ferritin may rise in various inflammatory disorders (including autoimmune disorders), tumors and liver disorders. Even fatty liver may result in a high ferritin level although not as high as 3000ng/mL. A liver ultrasound scan may provide additional clues. Your medical history is important as well. If you have any symptom, it may be helpful. If you don't have symptoms then I would focus on liver disorders and start with the ultrasound scan and continue with a basic search for tumors. Clinical examination to detect enlarged lymph nodes, spleen and liver are the first things to check. X-rays of the chest and ultrasound of the abdomen could be the next step in this regard. If you'd like to upload your test reports I'll be glad to have a look and check whether other clues exist or not. Kind Regards, Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist