Iron studies provide critical insights into your body's iron levels and overall health. These tests measure different components of iron metabolism, each offering important diagnostic clues.
- Serum Iron: Measures the amount of iron in your blood. Low levels may indicate iron deficiency, while high levels can suggest conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload).
- Ferritin: Reflects the amount of stored iron in your body. Low ferritin levels are often the first indicator of iron deficiency, even before anemia develops. High levels can signal inflammation or iron overload.
- Transferrin: A protein that transports iron in the blood. High transferrin levels may point to iron deficiency, as the body produces more transferrin to capture available iron. Low transferrin levels can be seen in cases of chronic disease or iron overload.
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): This measures the blood's capacity to bind iron with transferrin. High TIBC levels can indicate iron deficiency, while low levels may suggest iron overload or liver disease.
How to Interpret Results:
- Low Serum Iron + High TIBC + Low Ferritin = Iron Deficiency Anemia.
- High Serum Iron + Low TIBC + High Ferritin = Hemochromatosis or Iron Overload.
Understanding these results can help diagnose various health conditions, from anemia to liver disease, and guide treatment options like iron supplements or dietary changes.
Recommended Tests:
- Ferritin Test: Essential for measuring the body's iron storage, helping to detect iron deficiency or overload early.
Ferritin Test - Serum Iron Test: Measures the amount of circulating iron in the blood, critical for diagnosing conditions like anemia or iron overload.
Serum Iron Test
