The Iron Test checks your iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin, which help support a number of vital functions in your body. Iron is an important nutrient needed to form hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs throughout your body for energy. TIBC is a measurement of how well your blood attaches itself to iron to move it around your body. Ferritin is a protein in the blood that contains iron and helps you understand how much iron your body is storing. If your iron results are higher or lower than normal, you and your healthcare provider can work together to determine the next steps.
What is tested?
The Iron Test measures the amount of iron in your blood, how well your blood transports iron, and the amount of iron you have stored. Iron is an essential mineral needed for proper growth and development in the body. You must absorb iron through food or supplements because your body does not produce iron on its own.
Iron is needed by red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. A low iron level can point to anemia, which may be caused by diet, injury or blood loss, pregnancy, heavy exercise, and certain conditions. Too much iron in the blood can point to underlying medical conditions and cause problems with the liver, heart, kidneys, joints, or other organs. If abnormal iron levels are left untreated, they may lead to serious blood disorders or other health conditions.
Signs & Symptoms
The Iron Test may be right for you if you're experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms:
Iron deficiency (low levels of iron):
Iron overload (high levels of iron):
In many cases, the earliest signs or symptoms of abnormal iron levels may go unnoticed or be dismissed as tiredness, weakness, and poor concentration. Without treatment, symptoms of an iron imbalance may worsen as the condition progresses, potentially affecting your overall quality of life.
Eligibility
You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.
Preparing For Your Test
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.
After The Test
When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report. You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results. If your results differ from the expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.
