Iron Studies
About Iron Studies (Iron) Test
Iron tests are performed to check the level of iron in the body by measuring various forms of iron in the blood. Iron is an essential micronutrient needed in the body for making red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is also vital for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organ function. Higher or lower iron levels can lead to serious health problems like cirrhosis and anaemia.
Functions of iron in the body
- Component of haemoglobin which is a type of protein found in red blood cells
- Part of myoglobin which is a protein that carries and stores oxygen specifically in muscle tissue.
- Important for brain development and growth in children
- Required for normal production and function of various hormonesÂ
Iron tests are performed during routine check-ups to detect anaemia caused due to iron deficiency. These tests are used to monitor iron deficiency or overload in the body and to analyse the capacity of the blood to transport iron. Thus, early detection and treatment of iron deficiency or overload can prevent serious health conditions.
Symptoms of low iron levels
Pale skin
Fatigue
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat
Symptoms of high iron levels
Joint pain
Stomach pain
Low energy
Weight loss
What do iron studies measure?
Different types of iron tests included in the iron studies are:
Serum iron test:
-
Used to measure the levels of iron present in the blood.
Transferrin test:
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Used to measure the levels of transferrin present in the blood; transferrin is a protein that transports iron throughout the body
Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC):
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Used to measure how well iron attaches to transferrin and other proteins in the blood. It is another way to measure how well the body transports iron.
Ferritin blood test:
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Used to measure how much iron is stored in the body. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, Â iron is essential for making healthy red blood cells
Transferrin saturation:
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Used to find the amount of iron bound to the protein transferrin.
Other names for iron tests
-
Fe tests, iron indices. Most or all of these tests are ordered at the same time.
Who should get iron studies test?
An iron studies test is recommended for individuals shown to have anaemia or any problem with their red blood cells after a full blood count test. Doctors will also suggest an iron test if there is too much iron in the body. Iron tests are advised to determine:
Low levels of iron (anaemia)
High high levels of iron (hemochromatosis) This is a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the body
If treatments for iron deficiency (low iron levels) or excess iron (high iron levels) are working
Test preparation
Iron studies may require fasting for up to 12 hours before the test, only drinking water during this time is recommended. Certain medicines may affect the results of this test, therefore ask your doctor for details about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely.
Interpretation of results
|
Parameters |
Normal iron studies test values |
|
        Iron |
60 to 170 mcg/dL (or) 10.74 to 30.43 micromol/L |
|
Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) |
240 to 450 mcg/dL (or) 42.96 to 80.55 micromol/L |
|
Transferrin saturation |
20% to 50% |
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The above values are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your healthcare provider to understand your specific test results.
Higher than normal iron level may be a sign of:
- Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
- Anaemia due to red blood cells being destroyed quickly (haemolytic anaemia)
- Liver tissue death
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- Iron poisoning
Lower than normal level may be a sign of:
- Long-term digestive tract bleeding
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Intestinal conditions causing poor absorption of iron
- Iron deficiency in diet
- Types of anaemia
- Inherited blood disorder causing the body to make fewer RBCs (Thalassemia)
FAQs
What happens during an iron test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. This procedure usually takes less than five minutes.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the results of an iron test?
You will usually get the reports within 6 hours after the collection of the blood sample.
Should I be concerned if my iron test level is abnormal?
If your iron test results reveal that you have high or low levels of iron, it might be because of a medical condition. Other factors, like diet and inflammatory health conditions, can also influence your iron levels. If you have an abnormal result, consult your healthcare provider, who may order additional tests to determine the cause of your abnormal iron levels.
Who are at high risk for anaemia?
There are certain groups of people that are at high risk of being affected by anaemia; for example, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children in puberty stage, vegans and patients having chronic diseases, like stomach ulcers or cancer, etc.
How often should I be checking my iron levels?
The frequency of testing and the type of iron test depends on the severity of your iron deficiency/overload.
Based on your iron test results, your doctor will design an appropriate treatment plan and recommend regular testing to monitor your iron levels.
Look out for the common symptoms of iron deficiency/overload and consult a doctor.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk for iron deficiency and your doctor may recommend taking multiple iron tests throughout your pregnancy to make sure your iron levels are normal.
Even if you have normal iron levels, it is suggested to get your iron levels tested every few years or so.
Related tests
Hemoglobin (Hb)
₹ 100-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
-
Red blood cells contain the proteinhemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and return transport of carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs. The levels of Hb are estimated by this test which is prescribed if an individual has symptoms of anemia such as dizziness, weakness, cold hands and feet, a family history of thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or other inherited blood disorder, or excessive blood loss because of injury or surgical procedure.
Packed Cell Volume (PCV) / Hematocrit
₹ 150-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
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Hematocrit (HCT) and packed cell volume (PCV) are used to measure red blood cell mass. An increase in red blood cell mass is equivalent to erythrocytosis (body makes too many red blood cells) and lower than normal hematocritcan indicate low levels of red blood cells (anemia), elevated levels of white blood cells due to long-term illness, infection, or a white blood cells disorder such as leukemia or lymphoma, or Vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Higher than normal hematocrit indicates dehydration, lung or heart disease, a blood disorder, such as polycythemiavera (the body produces too many red blood cells), and recent or long-term blood loss
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
₹ 250-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
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Complete blood count (CBC) is a type of blood test that helps determine an individual's overall health. This test evaluates red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and white blood cells , which fight infections and other diseases. There are five major types of white blood cells, and the CBC test measures the total number of white cells in the blood.CBC test includes an absolute and differential count of basophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil that measures the levels of these cells in the blood. CBC also measures the levels of platelets, which help prevent and stop bleeding. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells, and the Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) test determines the average concentration of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell (RBC). Hematocrit/ Packed Cell Volume (PCV) measures the proportion of red blood cells, and red cell distribution width (RDW) evaluates the differences in the volume and size of your red blood cells. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of the red blood cells. Complete blood counts can help detect various disorders, including infections, anemia, and diseases affecting blood components.
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics
Hemoglobin (Hb)
₹ 100-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
-
Red blood cells contain the proteinhemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and return transport of carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs. The levels of Hb are estimated by this test which is prescribed if an individual has symptoms of anemia such as dizziness, weakness, cold hands and feet, a family history of thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or other inherited blood disorder, or excessive blood loss because of injury or surgical procedure.
Iron Studies, Basic
₹ 550-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
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The iron study test is also known as the serum ferritin test. Iron is essential for RBC (red blood cells) formation and for maintaining healthy muscle and organ function. The basic iron study test includes a set of tests to determine the iron levels present in the body. This test is indicated in patients experiencing iron deficiency symptoms like anemia, weakness, fatigue, and inflammatory bowel disease. The test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of iron supplement treatment.
Iron Studies, Comprehensive
₹ 1,100-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
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Iron studies comprehensive is a group of tests used to determine levels of iron and other factors related to iron and blood. This test includes four parameters: Ferritin, Iron serum, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), and Transferrin. Ferritin: This test measures the levels of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. If the ferritin level is lower than normal, the body doesn't have enough iron to meet its needs. This is known as iron deficiency. Iron Serum: A serum iron test measures iron levels in the blood. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a blood test measuring blood capacity to bind iron with transferrin. Transferrin: A transferrin test is performed to assess the amount of iron in the blood and the body's ability to transport iron in the blood. This profile detects blood-related disorders, such as anemia and iron overload. It is ordered when a person notices symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, and fatigue
Iron, Serum
₹ 300-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
-
An Iron serum test is used to check the levels of iron in the blood, which is an important element for the proper functioning of red blood cells (RBCs), healthy muscles, and bone marrow. The serum iron test is advised if someone experiences symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, increased accumulation of iron in the body, and low hemoglobin levels.
Iron & TIBC, Serum
₹ 600-
Includes
2 Test Parameter(s)
-
An iron serum test evaluates the level of iron in the body. Iron is important for the proper functioning of red blood cells (RBCs), healthy muscles, and bone marrow. The total iron binding capacity (TIBC) test measures the blood's capacity to bind iron with transferrin. Once the iron has been combined with transferrin, it is transported to the bone marrow and regulates hemoglobin production (a protein that helps transport oxygen). Both of these blood tests are used to diagnose iron deficiency, anemias, and other disorders of iron metabolism