Iron tests Various preparations of blood are measured to determine the amount of iron in the body. Iron is a mineral needed to make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry air from non-heavy objects to other parts of the body. Iron is also the basis for healthy muscle, bone marrow, and organ function. Very low or very high iron levels can cause serious health problems.
Different forms of iron tests include:
- Serum iron test Determines the amount of iron in the blood.
- Transferrin test Determines the translocation, which is the protein that moves iron throughout the body.
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) determines how well iron binds to transferrin and other proteins in the blood.
- Ferritin blood test TIBC determines the amount of iron stored in the body.
Some or all of these tests are often tested at the same time.
Other names: Fe tests , iron indices
What are they used for?
Iron tests Most commonly used for
- Check for very high iron levels, a symptom of anemia.
- Diagnose all the different types of anemia
- Check to see if iron levels are very high. This can be a symptom of hemochromatosis. This is a rare genetic disorder in which very large amounts of iron accumulate in the body.
- Identify if recovery from iron deficiency (low iron levels) or iron excess (high iron levels) is difficult
Why do you need iron? test ?
If there are signs of very low or very high iron levels, testing may be necessary.
Symptoms of low iron levels include
- Pale skin
- fatigue
- Weakness
- dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- rapid heart rate
When iron levels are very high, symptoms may include
- joint pain
- abdominal pain
- Energy deficiency
- Weight loss
What happens to the iron? test ?
The physician draws blood from a vein in the arm using a thin needle. After the needle is inserted into a small amount of blood, the blood is drawn from a a test tube or vial. Some pressure may be felt when the needle is inserted and removed. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
You should have something ready for the the test ?
Your health care provider may order you to fast (not eat or drink) for 12 hours before treatment. test . The test This is usually done in the afternoon. If you have any questions about how to prepare for a fast, please consult your physician. test If you have questions about how to prepare yourself, consult your health care provider.
Are there any risks to the glands? tests ?
There is not enough risk to blood. test You may experience mild soreness and bruising at the site of the needle insertion, but most symptoms disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
If one or more iron test The results indicate very low iron levels. This could mean the following
- Anemia metal deficiency, the place of anemia. Anemia is a condition in which your body does not produce enough red blood cells.
- Another picture of anemia
- Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder that forces your body to produce less than normal healthy red blood cells
If one or more iron test The results show that your iron levels are very high, which may mean that you have
- Hemochromatosis, a condition in which very large amounts of iron accumulate in the body
- lead poisoning, a condition in which a large amount of iron accumulates in the body
- Liver disease
Most disorders that lead to too little or too much iron can be safely treated with iron, diet, medications, and/or other drugs.
If your iron test Results are not considered normal and do not necessarily mean you have a disease that needs to be cured. Certain medications, such as birth control pills and estrogenic drugs, can affect iron content. Iron levels will likely still be low for women during their menstrual cycle.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your own care provider.
In fact, is there anything else I need nobles about glands? tests ?
Your physician may order another blood sample. tests Determine the iron content. These may include
- Hemoglobin test
- Hematocrit test
- A complete blood test
- Average peritoneal size
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