Iron Studies Blood Test: Purpose, Preparation, and Results

Table of content

• What is an iron studies blood test?
• What Does an Iron Studies Blood Test Include?
• When is an iron studies test used?
• Do I need to fast for iron studies blood test?
• What happens during an iron studies blood test?
• Iron studies blood test meaning
• Conclusion

What is an iron studies blood test?

Iron is one of the most important nutrients that plays an essential role in many cells in your body, including your blood cells. Iron is an important part of haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen around your body. Your body cannot make iron, so it has to take it from your diet or iron supplements. If you don’t have sufficient iron in your body, you may have difficulty making new blood cells. New blood cells are required to replace blood that you lose from:

• Heavy periods
• Blood donation 
• Bleeding from other medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal bleeding

Low iron levels can result in a condition called anaemia. Anaemia can be identified with a full blood count. Having too much iron in your body can affect your:

• Heart
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Bones
• Joints 

What Does an Iron Studies Blood Test Include?

Different types of blood tests are conducted to look at the amount of iron in your body:

• A ferritin test: It is conducted to check the amount of stored iron in your body. 
• A serum iron test: It is conducted to measure the iron circulating in your blood.
• A transferrin test or total iron-binding capacity test: It helps in measuring how well your body transports iron in your blood. 
• Transferrin saturation: It is a calculation to check the amount of your transferrin that contains iron. 

Your GP Glenory at Magnus Medical, might ask for all these tests, or some of these tests. Sometimes, with different blood tests, your doctor can identify the cause of an abnormal result. 

When is an iron studies test used?

If your full blood count shows anaemia or another problem with your red blood cells, your doctor may recommend you for iron studies. Iron levels will also be checked if you have too much iron in your body. Haemochromatosis is the primary cause of too much iron, which is an inherited condition. You will be recommended for an iron studies test to check your levels if you:

• Eat a vegan or vegetarian diet, or when you don’t consume enough iron
• are pregnant
• have a condition making it difficult to absorb iron from your diet
• have internal bleeding. 

Do I need to fast for iron studies blood test?

You are not required to fast prior to your iron studies blood test. However, you need to check your request form to see if your doctor has asked you to fast in writing before the iron studies blood test. Most people get their test done early in the morning, so it doesn’t interfere with their meals. If you consume iron supplements, avoid taking them before the test. You may need to follow special instructions if you have more than one test done at the same time. It’s best to check with your doctor or the Pathology Glenroy centre. You should ask your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns before having your blood test. 

What happens during an iron studies blood test?

A sample of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm. The blood will then be sent to a laboratory for testing. 

Iron studies blood test meaning

It can be difficult to understand the results of iron studies. Your doctor will study your report in the context of your general health. Some results are compared to reference intervals or ranges. These are a different range of values that are considered normal for the population, but not necessarily for everyone. If your results are lower or higher than what is considered normal for the general population, it doesn’t mean that there is a problem. Your doctor will explain the meaning of your iron studies blood test. 

Conclusion

The blog shares information on iron studies blood test, its meaning, how to prepare for it and how it is conducted. You can also get consultation from doctors at Magnus Medical for an iron studies blood test.