Iron is essential for oxygen delivery, energy production, cognitive function, muscle performance, and immune health. Untreated iron deficiency can significantly impact quality of life, daily functioning, and work capacity.

In certain groups, including women of reproductive age, pregnant patients, those with gastrointestinal conditions, or chronic blood loss (i.e. from heavy periods), ongoing iron deficiency may lead to recurrent symptoms and progression to anaemia if not addressed appropriately.

Modern intravenous iron preparations are very safe when administered in an appropriate clinical setting. Serious reactions are rare.
Skin staining is uncommon and occurs at a rate well below that reported in published literature at our clinics, reflecting careful technique and extensive staff experience.

Yes. Iron deficiency is frequently under-recognised. Laboratory reference ranges may not reflect optimal iron stores, particularly in symptomatic patients. Many people may experience symptoms with ferritin levels below ~50 µg/L, despite being told their results are “normal”. As a specialist clinic, we interpret iron studies in clinical context rather than relying on a single laboratory value.

Haemoglobin reflects red blood cell levels, not iron stores. Iron deficiency will develop before haemoglobin falls, meaning your body may be struggling to supply iron to muscles, the brain, and other tissues despite a “normal” haemoglobin result.

This is known as non-anaemic iron deficiency (NAID), and it is a well-recognised cause of fatigue, cognitive symptoms, and reduced physical performance.

Iron deficiency is not diagnosed using a single test. We assess a combination of results, including:

• Ferritin (iron stores)
• Transferrin saturation
• Serum iron
• Total iron binding capacity
• Haemoglobin and red cell indices

Together, these provide a more accurate picture of iron status.  We also take into account patient’s symptoms and potential risk of deficiency by asking about menstrual losses, gastrointestinal diseases, exercise status and a number of other factors.

Most pathology laboratories in Australia require a request form from a registered clinician before they can perform blood tests. Through our Iron Deficiency Screening Tool 🔗, patients can complete a short online screening questionnaire which is reviewed by our clinical team. If testing is clinically appropriate, we can issue a pathology request form so you can attend a local pathology provider for the blood test. Once the results are available, they are reviewed by our clinicians and we will advise you of the outcome and any recommended next steps.

You do not need a referral.  If you have blood tests demonstrating iron deficiency that are less than four months old, then you can book in with us.  We also welcome referrals from other referring health practitioners.

If you feel as though you might be iron deficient and you don’t have recent blood test results, patients can access our Iron Screening Tool, from which we can rapidly arrange a blood test for you and and follow-up treatment for your iron deficiency if appropriate.

You can book online at any time via our website, or call our team during business hours.

Once we receive your booking and results, our clinical team will review everything prior to confirming your appointment.

Your results are reviewed by our clinical team to confirm that an iron infusion is appropriate and safe.

Once approved, we will contact you to confirm your appointment or you can proceed with online booking if eligible.

All clinic sites are staffed by both Consultant Haematologists and Nurse Practitioners.

Depending on your clinical needs, you may be seen by:

• A Haematologist (blood specialist)
• A Nurse Practitioner, with specific training in anaemia and iron deficiency.
• Or both, working together within a coordinated care model

This ensures timely access to care while maintaining specialist-level assessment and oversight.

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice clinician with:

• A Master’s degree or higher
• Extensive postgraduate clinical experience
• Authority to assess patients, diagnose conditions, order investigations/blood tests, the ability to prescribe medications, and manage treatment plans

Nurse Practitioners are highly skilled clinicians who practise autonomously within their scope and work closely with medical specialists.

All Nurse Practitioners at The Iron Infusion Clinic are personally trained and credentialed by Dr Joel Collins, Consultant Haematologist.

Training includes:

• Comprehensive assessment of iron deficiency
• Advanced interpretation of iron studies
• Safe prescribing and administration of intravenous iron
• Recognition and management of adverse reactions
• Clear escalation pathways for complex or atypical cases

Yes. All clinical care across all sites occurs under direct haematologist involvement.

Dr Joel Collins:

• Personally trains all Nurse Practitioners
• Develops and reviews all clinical protocols
• Is involved in clinical decision-making across the clinics
• Reviews complex cases and referrals

This ensures consistent, high-quality care regardless of which clinic you attend.

With your consent, we provide a formal medical letter to your GP and/or other treating specialists outlining:

• The indication for treatment
• The iron formulation used
• Follow-up and monitoring recommendations

This is also uploaded to your health record.

Repeat blood tests may be recommended after treatment. We provide clear, individualised guidance regarding monitoring and next steps and we will communicate this to you, as well as to your GP and any other specialists involved in your healthcare.

Yes. Iron deficiency can recur if the underlying cause persists (such has heavy periods). Our approach focuses not only on iron replacement, but also on identifying and addressing contributing factors, with appropriate investigation or referral recommendations where required.

No, you do not need to attend a separate consultation. Your clinical assessment and iron infusion are completed in the same visit, so there is no need to return on another day.

This is possible because our clinical team carefully reviews your blood results and referral information in advance. If any clarification is needed, one of our clinicians will contact you prior to your appointment to ensure everything is appropriate and safe before you attend.

The infusion itself usually takes around 15–20 minutes for adults, with additional time for preparation and observation.

Paediatric infusions can take as little as 5 minutes (depending on the dose)

Most patients are in the clinic for approximately 45–60 minutes in total.

A small cannula is inserted into a vein in your arm, and the iron is given via an intravenous infusion.

You will be seated comfortably, and our team will monitor you throughout the process.

Aside from a small sting from the initial cannula insertion (similar to a blood test), the procedure is generally well tolerated.

Most patients find the infusion comfortable.

We recommend:

• Something to read or do during the infusion
• Water or a drink
• Comfortable clothing

Our clinics are designed to be calm and comfortable.

All clinic sites are staffed by both Consultant Haematologists and Nurse Practitioners.

Depending on your clinical needs, you may be seen by:

• A Haematologist (blood specialist)
• A Nurse Practitioner, with specific training in anaemia and iron deficiency.
• Or both, working together within a coordinated care model

This ensures timely access to care while maintaining specialist-level assessment and oversight.

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice clinician with:

• A Master’s degree or higher
• Extensive postgraduate clinical experience
• Authority to assess patients, diagnose conditions, order investigations/blood tests, the ability to prescribe medications, and manage treatment plans

Nurse Practitioners are highly skilled clinicians who practise autonomously within their scope and work closely with medical specialists.

All Nurse Practitioners at The Iron Infusion Clinic are personally trained and credentialed by Dr Joel Collins, Consultant Haematologist.

Training includes:

• Comprehensive assessment of iron deficiency
• Advanced interpretation of iron studies
• Safe prescribing and administration of intravenous iron
• Recognition and management of adverse reactions
• Clear escalation pathways for complex or atypical cases

Yes. All clinical care across all sites occurs under direct haematologist involvement.

Dr Joel Collins:

• Personally trains all Nurse Practitioners
• Develops and reviews all clinical protocols
• Is involved in clinical decision-making across the clinics
• Reviews complex cases and referrals

This ensures consistent, high-quality care regardless of which clinic you attend.

Iron infusions are generally very safe and well tolerated.
Some patients may experience mild side effects such as headache, nausea, or temporary changes in taste.

Serious reactions are very rare, and our staff are trained to manage them should they occur.

Symptoms may overlap with normal pregnancy changes and include:

• Persistent or disproportionate fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Palpitations
• Headaches
• Restless legs and leg cramps
• Reduced exercise tolerance
•  

Because these symptoms are often attributed to pregnancy itself, iron deficiency may be overlooked.

Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy to support:

• Expansion of maternal blood volume
• Placental development
• Fetal growth and brain development
•  

Adequate iron stores are important for both maternal wellbeing and healthy pregnancy outcomes.

Normalising iron stores during pregnancy help with:

• Establish breastfeeding
• Decrease the incidence of low mood after birth
• Help prevent iron deficiency in your infant after birth

Iron deficiency is very common in pregnancy (up to 80% of all pregnant women), particularly in women with:

• Low iron stores prior to conception
• Heavy menstrual bleeding before pregnancy
• Multiple or closely spaced pregnancies
• Dietary iron deficiency

Many women become quickly iron deficient even when early pregnancy blood tests were normal or very good.

Yes. Intravenous iron is considered safe in pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters.

Modern intravenous iron formulations have a strong safety profile and are commonly used in pregnant women.

Iron infusions are typically given after 12-14 weeks of pregnancy.

If you are earlier than this, we can help plan timing and next steps.

An iron infusion and consult with an iron practitioner costs $269 – $299. 

Your fee covers the complete service:

• Clinical consult with one of our iron expert practitioners
• Review of your blood results
• Clinical assessment as to the causes of your deficiency, and future management/prevention strategies
• Administration of the infusion
• Monitoring during and after the procedure

This ensures your treatment is both appropriate and safe.

Yes.

Afterpay is available for eligible patients and allows you to split the cost into 4 interest-free payments.

Please note, you cannot you Afterpay for your booking fee ($50).

You can set up Afterpay🔗 in minutes via their app before your appointment.