Iron:
What can I expect from this test?
This test is designed to uncover why you may be feeling fatigued or tired. Anaemia is condition in which the body does not have either a healthy level of red blood cells or, the level of haemoglobin in your body is lower than normal. This means your body does not have enough oxygen which can lead to feeling tired, weak, faint breathless and occasionally experiencing irregular heatbeats.
This blood test will examine iron levels including a full body count, ferritin, vitamin B9 (folate) and vitamin B12 levels to discover why you may be suffering from these symptoms.
Blood Cells (1 Biomarkers)
This category includes full blood counts and blood group testing. A full blood count can be used to check your overall health and can detect a wide range of issues such as infection, anaemia and leukaemia. A blood group test will tell you to which blood group you belong (called ABO typing). Please note that full blood counts and blood group tests can only be done through an in-store appointment and cannot be run on finger prick samples.
Full Blood Count (FBC) provides information about the different cells in the blood, these include the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin which carries oxygen to the different tissues in the body whereas white blood cells control the immune system and protects the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. FBC testing are used as a screening test for various disorders like anaemia and infections.
Iron Studies (5 Biomarkers)
Iron studies are a set of blood tests used to measure the amount of iron carried in the blood and stored in the bodies tissues. Iron deficiency can be the cause of a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, chest pains and a shortness of breath.
Iron is a mineral which is needed for making red blood cells, which transports oxygen in the blood, and important for healthy muscles, bone marrow and organ function. Iron is measured to show the amount of iron in the blood. Low levels of iron can indicate anaemia whereas high levels can indicate liver disease.
Total Iron Binding Concentration (TIBC) is the maximum amount of iron that can be transported in the blood. Iron is used for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. TIBC tests are used to determine iron status and its absorption. This can be used to help diagnose Anaemia and iron overload conditions such as Haemochromatosis. Your TIBC will be impaired if you also have existing liver disease.
Unsaturated Iron Binding Concentration (UIBC) is the amount of transferrin that is reserved for the iron transportation. Iron is used for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. UIBC tests are used to monitor treatment for iron toxicity.
Ferritin is a blood protein that is used to store iron. Iron is used for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. It is measured to understand how much iron the body stores. Ferritin test are used to diagnose anaemia and liver disease.
Transferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein that is produced by the liver. It is used to transport iron which transports oxygen in the blood. Transferrin tests are used to determine iron status and can be used to diagnose anaemia. Transferrin saturation is the value of serum iron divided by the total iron-binding capacity of the available transferrin.
Vitamin (2 Biomarkers)
Vitamins are a group of substances that our bodies need for normal cell function, growth and development. Vitamin deficiencies can be the cause of a wide range of common symptoms and conditions.
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, tissue and cellular repairs and nerve health. It can be found in animal products such as poultry, milk and eggs. Vitamin B12 tests are used to help diagnose the cause of anaemia.
Folate (Vitamin B9) is a vitamin which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, tissue and cellular repairs and is important during pregnancy. It can be found in leafy green vegetables, yeast and citrus fruits. Folate tests are used to help diagnose the cause of anaemia.
