What could be inferred if a blood calibration shows a high level of ferritin along with elevated iron?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

A high level of ferritin, alongside elevated iron levels, typically indicates that the body has an excess of iron. Ferritin acts as a storage protein for iron, and high levels suggest that the body is either storing too much iron or that there is a disruption in iron metabolism.

In the case of hemochromatosis, a hereditary condition that leads to excessive absorption of dietary iron, the body accumulates iron over time, surpassing normal levels. This is characterized by high ferritin and elevated serum iron. It can lead to organ damage due to iron overload if not managed appropriately.

Other conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia, normally show low ferritin levels because ferritin decreases when iron stores are depleted. Chronic blood loss usually results in decreased iron levels along with lower ferritin since the body is unable to replenish iron stores. Lastly, normal iron levels would not correlate with elevated ferritin or elevated iron. Therefore, when both ferritin and iron levels are high, hemochromatosis is a more plausible inference.

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