AN OVERVIEW
About Iron Studies Test
Why is the Iron Studies test done?
The iron studies test is done for the following reasons:
- To check if the patient is suffering from anaemia (a condition where the RBC count or Haemoglobin is lower than usual) due to iron deficiency that is detected by regular check-ups.
- To determine if there is a deficiency of iron inside the body.To judge if there are excess levels of iron inside the body.
- To determine the capacity of the blood to carry iron all around the body.
The three tests that are done under iron studies serum transferrin, iron serum, and iron-binding capacity all cover these four aspects.
What does the Iron Studies test measure?
Iron can only be received by the body from external sources. Most of the iron that we receive from our diet is converted to Haemoglobin in the red blood cells. The protein Transferrin is produced by the liver inside the body. Low levels of Transferrin affect the transfer and utilization of iron inside the body. Most of the free iron received by the body is bound to Transferrin. Transferrin decreases if there is inflammation inside the body. Ferritin is another such protein associated with iron.
The level of iron is judged by both ferritin and transferrin levels inside the body. The Iron Serum Test measures the level of iron that is present inside the body. Serum Transferrin test measures the level of Transferrin inside the body bound or unbound with iron. These tests are done simultaneously to get a good overview of the level of iron present inside the body.
Risk/Side-effects of Iron Studies test
There are no major risks involved with blood tests like iron studies test. The vein size depends from person to person, and it might be difficult to take blood from some people as opposed to others. A little precaution by the healthcare professional would not pose any risk to the patient.
On rare occasions, these risks might show up, but it doesnt happen very often:
- Excessive bleeding
- Feeling lightheaded
- Fainting
- Punctures to the local veins near the site
- Blood building up under the skin
- Slight infection
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
1. Are there any preparations needed for this test?
There are no major preparations needed for the test.
2. How is the sample taken?
The blood is taken from the arm. The area is cleaned with rubbing alcohol, and blood is taken precisely by the technician.
3. Why is Iron Studies Test conducted?
Iron Studies Test measures the levels of Iron in the body.
4. What are high levels of Iron in ones body indicative of?
High levels of Iron in the body are indicative of anaemia, liver inflammation, Iron poisoning, and others.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting Iron Studies Test Results
| Value of Iron | Condition | TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) | Transferrin |
| 60-170 mcg/dL (or, 10.74-40.43 micromol/L) | NORMAL | 240-450 mcg/dL (or, 10.74-40.43 micromol/L) | 20-50% saturation |
High levels of iron could be an indication of:
- Anaemia due to the red blood cells getting destroyed way too quickly (hemolytic anaemia)
- Death of liver tissue
- Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
- Iron poisoning
- Blood transfusions (frequent)
- Excess of iron inside the body could be harmful (hemochromatosis)
Low levels of iron could be an indication of:
- Digestive tract bleeding (long-term)
- Menstrual bleeding (excessive)Intestinal problems due to poor absorption of iron by the body.
- Not enough iron in the diet
- Pregnancy
After the test results have come, a doctor should be contacted immediately if there are any abnormalities noticed in the level of iron inside the body. Treatment needs to begin for any disease.
Book Iron Studies Test in Chandigarh
Starts from 1000*
There are a total of three tests under the umbrella of the iron studies test serum transferrin, iron serum, and total iron-binding capacity. Iron is one of the most crucial micronutrients needed by the body, performing functions like transportation of oxygen in the Red Blood Cells of the body. The iron that is absorbed from our diet and transferred around the body is handled by a protein called Transferrin. The iron studies test is a crucial test that revolves around the transferrin protein inside the body.
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