A member asked:

A recent blood test indicated iron at 176 mcg/dl (where normal is 45-170). i am having a followup test, but i'm wondering if this level is dangerous?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Not immediately: Excessive stores of iron is a common hereditary disorder in men. You should have the follow up test and follow your doctor's advice. Even if you happen to have hemochromatosis, the treatment is simple.

Answered 7/20/2017

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Dr. John Leander Po answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

Not "dangerous": Advice: doctors treat patients and not numbers. A slightly elevated iron level without the clinical context, is like a fish out of water. More info is needed for context-Why was the test done in the first place? Were you on iron supplementation? The iron level mentioned can be concerning in the context of iron overload, but being 6 pt over the upper limit of normal is not considered dangerous.

Answered 1/29/2018

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