Iron Studies

Iron Studies, Comprehensive is a group of tests that evaluates the level of Iron and other factors in the blood. This profile detects disorders related to blood such as anemia  and iron overload. It is ordered when a person notices symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, and fatigue.

Following tests are a part of the Comprehensive Iron deficiency profile:

Transferrin saturation test is ordered along with other iron tests when results from a routine complete blood count (CBC) show that a person’s hemoglobin and hematocrit are low and their red blood cells are smaller and paler than normal. This test is ordered when a person develops signs and symptoms of anemia such as:
-Chronic fatigue/tiredness
-Dizziness
-Weakness
-Headaches
-Pale skin

Ferritin checks the levels of ferritin in the blood, which determines the levels of iron in the body and evaluates the body’s capacity to store iron. The Ferritin Test is widely performed to confirm iron deficiency anemia detected in routine check-ups. This test also determines iron overload in the body and the body’s capacity to store iron.

Total Iron binding capacity measures the level of iron available to bind with your blood cells. This test suggests iron deficiency anemia even though other clinical symptoms may not have developed yet. This test can also detect iron overload. Signs and symptoms of iron overload will vary from person to person and tend to worsen over time. They are due to iron accumulation in the blood and tissues. These may include:
-Joint pain
-Fatigue, weakness
-Weight loss
-Organ damage, such as in the heart and/or liver
-Lack of energy
-Abdominal pain
-Loss of sex drive

Unsaturated Iron binding capacity test is used in the diagnosis and treatment of anemias. Serum iron is carried by binding to the transport protein, Transferrin. the serum has considerable reserve iron-binding capacity. This is called the serum Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC).

Iron, serum can be ordered when results from a routine complete blood count (CBC) show that a person’s hemoglobin is low or when their red blood cells are smaller and paler than normal (microcytic and hypochromic). This may indicate iron deficiency anemia even though other clinical symptoms may not have developed yet. Iron tests may also be ordered when symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, tiredness, dizziness, weakness, headaches, and pale skin are present.