What can I expect from this Iron Status Profile?

Iron is an essential component of the body, necessary for the production of red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body. Low iron levels can lead to anemia, causing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and coldness, which can progress to more severe conditions. The test also evaluates the body’s ability to absorb iron, which may be impaired in liver-related conditions.

Conditions identified by this test

Iron Studies (5 Biomarkers)

Iron studies comprise a set of blood tests that measure the amount of iron present in the blood and stored in the body’s tissues. Iron deficiency can give rise to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, chest pains, and shortness of breath. By assessing iron levels and related markers, iron studies provide valuable insights into your iron status and help identify potential causes of anaemia or other related conditions.

• Iron

Iron is a mineral essential for the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Adequate iron levels are crucial for maintaining healthy muscles, bone marrow function, and organ health. Measuring iron levels provides valuable information about the iron content in your blood. Low iron levels may indicate anaemia, while high levels could be indicative of liver disease or other underlying health issues.

• Total Iron Binding Capacity

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) refers to the maximum amount of iron that can be transported in the blood. Iron is crucial for the transport of oxygen. TIBC tests are used to evaluate iron status and absorption, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as anaemia and iron overload disorders like Haemochromatosis. Impairments in TIBC may be observed in individuals with existing liver disease.

• Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) measures the amount of transferrin available for iron transport. Transferrin plays a key role in the transportation of iron, facilitating oxygen transport in the blood. UIBC tests help monitor iron toxicity treatment and assess iron-related conditions.

• Ferritin

Ferritin is a blood protein responsible for storing iron. Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood. Ferritin levels indicate the body’s iron storage capacity and can assist in the diagnosis of anaemia and liver disease.

• Transferrin Saturation

Transferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein produced by the liver. It facilitates the transport of iron, which is essential for oxygen delivery in the blood. Transferrin tests assess iron status and can be helpful in diagnosing anaemia. Transferrin saturation represents the value obtained by dividing serum iron by the total iron-binding capacity of transferrin, providing insights into iron transport and availability.