Iron tests

Iron tests are a group of blood tests that are done to evaluate the iron level in blood and body tissues. These tests are often ordered together as part of a complete blood count (CBC) to help diagnose various diseases and conditions.

Overview

Iron is a vital mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells and keep you in good health. Iron tests are used to determine if your body has enough iron. If your body doesn't have enough iron, you could develop iron deficiency anemia. If your body has too much iron, you could develop a condition called hemochromatosis.

Types of Iron Tests

There are several types of iron tests, including:

• Serum iron test: This test measures the amount of iron in your blood.
• Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test: This test measures the total amount of iron that your blood can carry.
• Transferrin saturation test: This test measures the percentage of transferrin (a protein that carries iron in the blood) that is saturated with iron.
• Ferritin test: This test measures the amount of ferritin (a protein that stores iron) in your blood.

Why Iron Tests are Done

Iron tests are done to:

• Diagnose anemia.
• Determine the cause of anemia.
• Monitor the treatment of anemia.
• Diagnose hemochromatosis.
• Monitor the treatment of hemochromatosis.

Risks and Complications

Iron tests are generally safe. However, as with any blood test, there are some risks and complications, such as:

• Bruising or bleeding at the puncture site.
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded.
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin).
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken).

Results

The results of iron tests can help your doctor determine if you have an iron deficiency or an iron overload. If your iron levels are too low, you may need to take iron supplements or eat more iron-rich foods. If your iron levels are too high, you may need to limit your intake of iron-rich foods or take medication to reduce your iron levels.

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