Articles & Insights

Professionals Non-malignant Haematology

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide and the predominant cause of anaemia, which affects one‐quarter of the global population. In Australia, 22.3% of women have depleted iron stores (serum ferritin level < 30 μg/L), with pre‐menopausal women disproportionately affected. In contrast, 3.5% of men are iron deficient.

Ivo Andrejco · 10 Mar 2026

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Patients Non-malignant Haematology

Living With Mild Chronic Neutropenia: When “Abnormal” Blood Counts Are Actually Benign

A perspective from the clinic Yesterday I saw a patient whose story is actually quite common in haematology clinics. He had mild neutropenia — a slightly reduced neutrophil count — that had been present for as long as records existed, going back nearly 20 years. Over that time he had remained completely well, with no unusual infections or health problems.

Ivo Andrejco · 10 Mar 2026

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Professionals

Lymphocytosis

The lymphocyte reference range will vary depending on the age and gender of the patient, as well as the laboratory performing the test. In general, the lymphocyte count is considered elevated when it is above 5 x 10<sup>9<sup>/L.

Ivo Andrejco · 10 Mar 2026

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Professionals Non-malignant Haematology

Lymphopenia

Lymphopenia is a common finding from a full blood count, especially in elderly patients, where it is usually of no clinical significance. No further investigation is advised in an elderly patient with a lymphocyte count >0.5×109/L in the absence of any concerning symptoms. Symptomatic patients with persistent lymphopenia should be referred to the most appropriate specialty based on clinical and laboratory features

Ivo Andrejco · 10 Mar 2026

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Professionals Non-malignant Haematology

Macrocytosis

Macrocytosis refers to an increased red cell mean cell volume (MCV). The normal MCV will vary depending on the age of the patient, but in adults, is generally considered increased when it is > 100 fL. Macrocytosis is a common abnormality that is not pathological per se.

Ivo Andrejco · 10 Mar 2026

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Patients

Ivermectin, Fenbendazole and Cancer: A Conversation I Recently Had With a Patient

A short explanation for people who may have come across these claims online Recently, I saw a patient with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Like many thoughtful and proactive patients, he had been doing some reading online about possible treatments. During our conversation he mentioned that he had come across information suggesting that ivermectin could be used to treat cancer. He had even found a book promoting this idea.

Ivo Andrejco · 10 Mar 2026

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Professionals Non-malignant Haematology

Mild Anaemia

The haemoglobin reference range will vary depending on the age, gender and pregnancy status of the patient, as well as the laboratory performing the test. In general, the haemoglobin is considered to be low when it is < 130 g/L in males and <115 g/L in females. The MCV and reticulocyte count are useful to guide further investigation as below.

Ivo Andrejco · 10 Mar 2026

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Professionals Non-malignant Haematology

Monocytosis

The monocyte reference range will vary depending on the age, gender and pregnancy status of the patient, as well as the laboratory performing the test. In general, the monocyte count is considered elevated when it is > 1 x 109/L.

Ivo Andrejco · 1 Mar 2026

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Professionals Non-malignant Haematology

Neutrophilia

The neutrophil reference range will vary depending on the age, gender and pregnancy status of the patient, as well as the laboratory performing the test. In general, the neutrophil count is considered elevated when it is above 8 x 109/L.

Ivo Andrejco · 1 Mar 2026

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General Non-malignant Haematology

Is my iron really high?

Is my iron really high? Iron levels are often checked when you go to see doctors with fatigue, malaise, or weakness or when your blood shows anaemia which requires further investigations. The problem with iron test is that it has 5 components which can give a variety of combinations, some are high and some are low and then the interpretation becomes challenging. I have therefore decide to take a look at the common iron test result which often leads to further investigations as well as you often being told that you have high iron levels and you need be venesected (blood letting).

Ivo Andrejco · 1 Mar 2026

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