The Importance of Iron Tests for Overall Health

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What Are Iron Tests?

Iron tests are medical exams that are specifically designed to determine the amount of iron in your blood and your body’s ability to use and store iron. Iron is an essential mineral for the human body, as it helps make hemoglobin – the protein that enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. Iron tests are performed to diagnose and monitor the progression of anemia, a blood disorder caused by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin. With anemia, the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, which can lead to exhaustion, weakness, headaches, and other symptoms. Find extra details about the topic in this external resource we’ve specially prepared for you. private blood test, obtain essential and supplementary insights that will deepen your grasp of the topic.

The Different Types of Iron Tests

There are different types of iron tests that doctors order, including:

  • Serum Iron Levels: This test measures the amount of iron in the blood. If a person has low levels of serum iron, it could indicate a deficiency and an inability to properly absorb iron from food. On the other hand, high levels of serum iron could indicate a more serious underlying condition that is causing the body to store too much iron.
  • Ferritin Test: Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in the body. A ferritin test measures the levels of this protein in the blood, which helps doctors diagnose and determine the severity of iron-deficiency anemia. Low levels of ferritin can also be an indication of a disease that causes an overproduction of red blood cells or chronic inflammation.
  • Transferrin Saturation: This test examines how much iron is bound to transferrin, a protein that carries iron in the blood. A low transferrin saturation level indicates an iron deficiency, while a high level could be a symptom of a condition that causes the body to store too much iron.
  • Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): This test measures the body’s ability to bind iron with transferrin. TIBC is usually ordered if iron deficiency anemia is suspected.

    • When Are Iron Tests Required?

    Iron tests are ordered by doctors when they suspect that their patient may be suffering from anemia or iron overload. They are commonly ordered for women who experience heavy menstrual periods, infants and young children who are not consuming enough iron in their diet, people with chronic diseases, or those undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy that affect the production of red blood cells.

    Interpreting Iron Test Results

    The results of an iron test are used to diagnose various conditions, including:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia, which is the most common blood disorder in the world and occurs when the body lacks enough iron to produce hemoglobin
  • Anemia of chronic inflammation, which is a rare condition that occurs when chronic inflammation or infection interferes with the body’s ability to use iron stored in the body
  • Hemochromatosis, which is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food and supplements, resulting in iron overload in various organs of the body, including the liver, pancreas, and heart
  • Hepatitis C or liver disease, which can cause iron overload in the liver and other organs

    • Conclusion

    Iron tests are essential for overall health as they help diagnose both iron deficiency and excess which are detrimental to the body. When diagnosed in the early stages, these deficiencies can be corrected through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes, and patients can avoid more severe consequences that result from anemia or iron overload. If you are experiencing any symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia or iron overload, be sure to speak to your doctor and ask about getting iron tests. We’re always working to provide an enriching experience. For this reason, we recommend this external source containing supplementary and pertinent details on the topic. blood tests https://www.bioma.me/bioma-health/blood-testing/the-4-best-blood-tests-to-buy, immerse yourself in the subject!

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