For Health Professionals

Overview

The Iron Clinic investigates and treats iron deficiency. Intravenous iron infusions can be provided if needed.

Patients with equivocal iron studies results requiring further evaluation: 
- Haemoglobin <80 must send patient to ED for blood transfusion AND refer to Iron Clinic
- Haemoglobin <100 or severe symptoms = Urgent
- Haemoglobin >100 and mild symptoms = Routine 1

Patients with iron deficiency of unknown origin
Confirmed iron deficiency with one of the following indications for intravenous iron replacement:
- Demonstrated intolerance, non-compliance or lack of efficacy with oral iron, despite modification of dose, timing and frequency
- Intestinal malabsorption (eg. inflammatory bowel disease)
- Ongoing iron (eg. blood) losses that exceed absorptive capacity
- A clinical need for a rapid iron supply (eg. in patients where optimisation of erythroid response is important to prevent physiological decompensation/ transfusion)

Patients that need blood transfusions (Haemoglobin under 80), refer to Emergency Department AND send Iron Clinic referral for further follow up and investigation of cause.
Iron deficiency in pregnancy should be discussed with the antenatal clinic.
Chronic kidney disease patients requiring erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are managed through the dialysis service and renal outpatient clinic.

Clinical Lead: Dr Eleni Hatzis, Haematologist - 03 5320 8500

Specialist Clinics: Call centre - 03 5320 4221. GP Hotline - 03 5320 6800

Medical Day Unit: 03 5320 6733