Iron infusion

IV iron infusions are administered using Ferinject (Ferric carboxymaltose) and can be rapidly infused over a 15-20 minute period. It requires a period of 30 minutes post infusion observation.

When referring a patient for iron infusion or blood transfusion, refer to our website on how to proceed. Please use HealthPathways ‘Iron Deficiency Anaemia‘ or ‘Anaemia in pregnancy‘ for assessment and management guidance in making the referral. Referrals to this service are assessed against the Statewide Referral Criteria. Referrals which do not meet the State-wide Referral Criteria will be declined.

Adult Referral Criteria (18 years or older)

Referrals will be accepted only if ALL applicable criteria are met:

One of the following:

• Patient with a chronic condition under specialist management
• Referral is made internally from Werribee Mercy Hospital
• History of a previous iron infusion reaction requiring a monitored hospital setting

AND

• The patient has trialled oral iron supplementation for at least 3 months (or is intolerant of oral supplements) and remains iron deficient

AND

• Low serum ferritin < 30 µg/L OR Serum ferritin <300 µg/L AND transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20% in patients with a chronic disease (e.g. chronic kidney disease, heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease).

Paediatric Referral Criteria (under 18 years)

Referrals will be accepted only if ALL applicable criteria are met:

One of the following:

• Patient with a chronic condition under specialist management
• Referral is made internally from Werribee Mercy Hospital
• History of a previous iron infusion reaction requiring a monitored hospital setting

AND

• Iron deficiency anaemia with:

• • Low haemoglobin
  • Microcytic, hypochromic indices
  • Ferritin <10 µg/L

AND

• The patient has trialled oral iron supplementation for at least 3 months (or is intolerant of oral supplements) and remains iron deficient.

Important Information

• MDS does not investigate iron deficiency or anaemia.
• Unstable or urgent cases should be referred to the nearest Emergency Department.
• Iron infusions are not provided for patients aged 14 years or younger at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
• Pregnant patients should be referred to Pregnancy Day Stay for assessment and iron infusion if required, rather than MDS.

Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department will only accept patients for iron infusion at Medical Day Stay if the above criteria are met.

Some tips when referring include:

1. Attach most recent blood test, 3 months or less, inclusive of full blood count and iron studies, patient’s health summary and list of current medicines.
2. Consult with patient’s primary obstetrician prior to referring a pregnant patient
3. We accept paediatric patients (14 year and above) for iron infusion if they are persistently iron deficient despite adequate oral therapy for at least 3 months.
4. Medical Day Stay (MDS) is not an urgent service, however we aim to provide most patients with an appointment within 30 days.
5. Refer to emergency department symptomatic and low HB (less than 80) patients.

For any queries or to follow up your referral, please call 8754 3530 to discuss.