Quick answer: PCV (packed cell volume) shows how much of your blood is red cells. A low PCV means anaemia. Ferritin shows how much iron your body has stored. A low ferritin means your iron is running out, even if your PCV is still normal. Low ferritin is the most common reason for anaemia, and it can be treated.
Normal ranges
| Test | Usual range |
|---|---|
| PCV, men | About 40 to 54% |
| PCV, women | About 36 to 46% |
| PCV, pregnancy | 33% or more |
| Ferritin | Below 15 ng/mL is clearly low; below 30 ng/mL often means low iron stores |
Labs differ slightly, so check the range on your report.
Why the two tests together matter
- Low ferritin, normal PCV: your iron stores are running down and anaemia may follow. This often explains tiredness, hair shedding and poor concentration.
- Low PCV, low ferritin: iron-deficiency anaemia.
- Low PCV, normal or high ferritin: the anaemia has another cause, such as malaria, infection, kidney disease or a blood disorder. Ferritin also rises during inflammation, which can hide low iron.
Common causes in Lagos
- Heavy periods, often from fibroids
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Diets low in iron-rich foods
- Repeated malaria
- Bleeding from the gut, such as ulcers or piles
- Worms
Symptoms
Tiredness, weakness, breathlessness on stairs, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, pale skin or eyes, and cravings for ice, clay or chalk (pica).
Treatment
- Iron tablets, usually for at least 3 months to refill your stores. Take them with water or orange juice, not tea, coffee or milk.
- Treating the cause, such as heavy periods or malaria.
- Iron-rich foods such as beans, ugu, liver, fish and red meat.
Don't take iron without a test. People with sickle cell disease and some other conditions shouldn't take iron unless a doctor advises it.
When to go to hospital
Very low PCV with chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness needs a hospital now. Mascot Healthcare doesn't handle emergencies.
Get tested in Akoka
The PCV test, ferritin test and full blood count are walk-in at Mascot Healthcare, 52 Sholanke Street, off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Prices are on our price list.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis.