Iron (Deficiency and Infusion) Clinic
The Iron Clinic investigates and treats iron deficiency. Intravenous iron infusions can be provided if indicated.
Who we care for
We care for people needing investigation and treatment of iron deficiency, including patients:
- with unclear iron study results requiring further assessment
- with iron deficiency of unknown origin
- with confirmed iron deficiency needing intravenous iron replacement
What you can expect
The Iron Clinic:
- investigates and assesses iron deficiency
- discusses possible treatment options
- oversees intravenous iron infusions via the Medical Day Unit if required. Iron infusions will not be provided on the day of your assessment
Patients currently treated for iron deficiency in other departments, e.g. gastroenterology, antenatal, gynaecology, or general medicine, will continue their treatment in those departments.
Please note the following:
- 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 & renal outpatient clinic.
Referrals and access
A referral from a GP is required to access this service. Click on ‘Health Professionals’ tab.
Referral process
Please address your referral to: “Haematology - Iron Clinic - Dr Eleni Hatzis”.
Please use the BHS SMART referral template where possible and fax referrals to 03 5320 4822 or email to outpat@gh.org.au.
Referral criteria
Information required on referral:
- Indication for the iron infusion, including urgency and symptomology
- A copy of RECENT FBE, iron studies (Ferritin NOT Iron) and any investigations performed to determine underlying aetiology. This may include celiac screening, faecal occult blood tests and pelvic ultrasounds (when indicated) and previous or planned endoscopies
- The presence of ongoing overt bleeding, ongoing inflammation (including inflammatory markers), heart failure, advanced renal disease or restless legs syndrome
- History of previous iron infusions
- Details of current or previous oral iron therapy. The date the patient was commenced on oral iron replacement, the dose and the exact preparations/s (or contraindications to oral iron)
- A detailed description of the side effects to iron if any
- Patient's height and weight. This is vital as the clinic is currently conducted via telehealth consultation. The dose of intravenous iron is mostly based on the ideal body weight
- Attach any available letters from specialists who may have recommended the iron infusion