Yashoda Hospitals > Diagnostics > Iron Test

What is the Iron Test?

Iron is an essential dietary mineral that is required for various processes in the body including, the synthesis of red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hgb). It is also important for healthy bone marrow, muscles, and organ function. The level of iron in the body can be measured by employing different tests to analyse the various substances in the blood. The different types of iron tests include transferrin test, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), serum iron test, and ferritin blood test. The iron test is also known as Fe tests or iron indices. Having too much or too little iron in the body can result in serious adverse effects.

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    References

      https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/iron-tests/

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Iron tests are used to determine the levels of circulating iron in the blood, the amount of stored iron in the body, and the total capacity of blood to carry iron. It also helps to differentiate the various causes of anemia. Overall, various iron tests are often ordered together and help identify iron deficiency anemia, iron deficiency, and iron overload in the body.

    In iron deficiency, there will be low iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin levels, and high TIBC and UIBC. In contrast, hemosiderosis or hemochromatosis have the opposite results of iron deficiency.

    Anemia of chronic illness shows low iron levels, low or normal TIBC, UIBC, transferrin saturation, and normal or high ferritin levels.
    Hemolytic anemia shows a high iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin levels, and low or normal UIBC and TIBC.

    Sideroblastic anemia shows a high transferrin saturation, ferritin levels, normal or low UIBA, TIBC, and normal or high iron levels.
    Iron poisoning shows a high iron and transferrin saturation, normal TIBC and ferritin levels, and low UIBC levels.

    The iron test helps estimate the current iron level of the body. It is usually ordered, if the complete blood count (CBC) indicates low Hgb and hematocrit and to rule out iron overload or iron deficiency. Also indicated in the presence of symptoms like extreme tiredness, headaches, joint pain, abdominal pain, and pale skin.

    The blood samples are collected into a vial or test tube from the vein using a small needle by the healthcare professional. The whole process is under five minutes. There may be a stinging sensation when the needle goes in and out.

    Usually, an iron level of 35.5-44.9% in adult women, and 38.3-48.6% in adult males are considered a normal range. The iron levels can vary among males and females according to age.

    A high level of iron is termed iron overload or hemochromatosis. It is often a genetic condition and can cause severe damage to the liver, heart, and pancreas. However, early diagnosis and therapeutic management can prevent, slow, and reverse organ damage. The symptoms include tiredness, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

    Iron levels are important since it is a significant component of Hgb necessary for RBC to transport oxygen from the lungs to throughout the body. A higher amount of iron is required for kidney patients, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and also in the presence of ulcers or other gastrointestinal disorders.

    The symptoms of low iron levels are weakness, extreme fatigue, brittle nails, cold hands and feet, pale skin, soreness of the tongue, and lightheadedness.

    The common causes of iron loss are excessive exercise and blood loss. Additionally, insufficient dietary intake of iron and pregnancy can also lead to iron-deficient conditions.

    Eggs act as a high source of iron. A raw egg consists of around 1.89 mg of iron. It helps in increasing energy together with boosting the immune system.