Iron Status Profile
Comprehensively assess your iron levels and stores with tests for iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and iron-binding capacity to check for deficiencies or excess.
The Iron Status Profile evaluates key parameters related to iron levels in your body.
Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, as red blood cells rely on iron to transport essential oxygen throughout the body. This test provides crucial insights into whether you are at risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia or, if you are already diagnosed, whether low iron is the underlying cause.
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia may include:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Pale skin
- Headaches
The profile includes the following tests:
- Serum Iron: Measures the amount of iron in your blood at the time of the test.
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): Assesses your blood's capacity to bind iron.
- Transferrin Saturation: Indicates how effectively your blood is utilizing the iron available in your body.
- Ferritin: A protein that stores iron; low ferritin levels indicate low iron stores, while high levels may suggest inflammation from conditions such as autoimmune diseases, infections, or excessive alcohol consumption.
If your results indicate low iron, dietary changes and supplements can help. Conversely, high iron levels may indicate a condition called hemochromatosis, which requires medical attention.
This test can be performed using a finger-prick home sample or a phlebotomy sample collected at any of our nationwide partner locations.