Elevated iron studies
Emergency referrals
All urgent cases must be discussed with the on call Registrar to obtain appropriate prioritisation and treatment. Contact through:
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (07) 3646 8111
- The Prince Charles Hospital (07) 3139 4000
- Redcliffe Hospital (07) 3883 7777
- Caboolture Hospital (07) 5433 8888
Urgent cases accepted via phone must be accompanied with a written referral and a copy faxed immediately to the Central Patient Intake Unit: 1300 364 952.
Does your patient wish to be referred?
Minimum referral criteria
Does your patient meet the minimum referral criteria?
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days is desirable
- Ferritin level >1000ug/L +/- elevated transferrin saturation and/or presence of Red flags
Presence of Red flags
- Evidence of liver decompensation i.e. jaundice and/or ascites and/or encephalopathy
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days is desirable
- Ferritin level > 500ug/L and <1000ug/L without presence of Red flags
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days is desirable
- Normal ferritin with positive HFE gene study
If your patient does not meet the minimum referral criteria
Consider other treatment pathways or an alternative diagnosis.
If you still need to refer your patient:
- Please explain why (e.g. warning signs or symptoms, clinical modifiers, uncertain about diagnosis, etc.)
- Please note that your referral may not be accepted or may be redirected to another service
Other important information for referring practitioners
Not an exhaustive list
Medical management
- Consider elevated ferritin in presence of NAFLD or ALD
- Consider venesection if serum ferritin >1000ug/L or C282Y homozygous haemochromatosis
- Monitor iron studies annually if serum ferritin normal
- Screen adult family members if genetically confirmed in index case
- Lifestyle modification (increased activity, dietary, weight, smoking, alcohol)
- There is no need to follow a low iron diet, however people may choose to reduce red meat intake (e.g. to 90-120 g/day)
- Consider cessation of alcohol, hepatotoxic medication, herbal preparations, supplements, NSAIDs and benzodiazepines
Referral requirements
A referral may be rejected without the following information.
Send referral
Hotline: 1300 364 938
Fax: 1300 364 952
Electronic: eReferral system
Mail: Metro North Central Patient Intake
Aspley Community Centre
776 Zillmere Road
ASPLEY QLD 4034
Health pathways
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For login details email:
healthpathways
Login to Brisbane North Health Pathways:
brisbanenorth.