Take control of your health using our at-home tests designed by scientists from the world’s leading research universities.
Description
Check the storage and usage of iron in your body to keep you in top form using a simple at-home finger-prick test.
What is the Blood Iron test?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and is a good indicator of the body's iron stores. Transferrin saturation measures the amount of iron that is being transported in the blood by transferrin. TIBC measures the total amount of iron that can be transported in the blood, while UIBC measures the amount of transferrin that is not saturated with iron. These biomarkers give important information about the body's iron status, which can help to diagnose and monitor various iron-related conditions.
What biomarkers are measured in this test?
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC = Iron+UIBC)
- Ferritin
- Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC)
- Transferrin Saturation (serum Fe/TIBCx100)
- Iron
Who should take this test?
Patients who are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin may benefit from the iron test. It may also be useful for patients who have a history of blood loss, such as heavy periods or gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as for patients who have been diagnosed with anaemia or other iron-related conditions.
Is there anything I need to know before taking this test?
For accurate results please omit any non-prescribed biotin supplements for 3 days before the test. If you are prescribed biotin, discuss this with your doctor.
Also consult your doctor if you are taking the contraceptive pill, iron supplements, chloramphenicol or monoclonal antibodies.
You must be at least 18 years old to use our testing services.
How often should I take this test?
It is important to repeat the iron test at least annually as iron levels can change over time. Having knowledge of one's iron status can help to identify and manage any potential health problems early on, and can help to ensure that the patient's overall health remains in good condition.
What could results out of range (abnormal) mean?
Low ferritin levels may indicate iron-deficiency anaemia, while high ferritin levels may indicate iron overload or other conditions. Low transferrin saturation or high TIBC levels may indicate iron-deficiency anaemia, while high transferrin saturation levels may indicate iron overload. Abnormal results from the iron test may indicate that the patient is not getting enough iron from their diet or is losing iron due to bleeding. These results can inform discussions with a doctor.
What could results in range (normal) mean?
Normal results from the iron test may indicate that the patient's iron stores are adequate and that they are not suffering from anemia or other iron-related conditions. These results can be motivating for patients to fine-tune their lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods. However it is important to remember that good test results do not guarantee good health and it is still important to speak to a doctor if there are any symptoms.
How can I improve my results?
Eating a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, and leafy greens can help to maintain iron levels. Iron can also be found in supplements, but it is important to speak to a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. Iron-rich foods can be enhanced with the help of vitamin C-rich foods, as vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron more effectively.
What other tests could I consider?
Patients who check their iron levels may also wish to check their Thyroid Function, Cholesterol, HbA1c and Vitamin D levels.
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