Iron Studies Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Range

Table of Content

Introduction to Iron Studies Test

Iron is an essential mineral in your body that comes from food like red meat and fortified cereals or supplements. It is important for blood and muscle cells. Iron is part of hemoglobin and a protein found in red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. The iron studies test measures the amount of iron in the blood. 

Lack of iron in the body may cause difficulty making new blood cells. These cells are required to replace the blood you lose in periods, blood donation, and bleeding, among other causes. Deficiency of iron in blood may cause anemia. On the other hand, too much iron in the body may damage and hurt the liver and pancreas. 

The lack of iron in the blood may cause symptoms like tiredness, dizziness, weakness, headaches, and a fast heartbeat. However, the high amount of iron in the blood may cause symptoms like joint pain, weakness or lack of energy, and stomach pain. If you notice these symptoms, consult your doctor and take the Iron Studies blood test to detect and measure the amount of iron in your blood.

In iron studies tests, the parameters covered are iron serum, TIBC, Transferrin saturation, and IUBC. If you need an iron deficiency test, look for Redcliffe Labs as your trusted diagnostic partner. Book your test online, and our phlebotomist will collect the blood sample from your doorstep. Trust us to get the accurate and reliable test reports on time. 

Test details in brief

Purpose of the Iron Studies Test 

The purpose of the Iron studies test primary- 

An iron studies test is a series of blood tests that measure different aspects of your iron levels. Having either too little or too much iron can cause serious health problems. An iron studies blood test can help diagnose:

• Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and is caused by a lack of iron in your body. 
• Other types of anemia- There are many different causes of anemia, and an iron studies test can help your doctor determine the cause.
• Hemochromatosis- This genetic disorder causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat.

An iron studies test typically includes the following parameters- 

• The serum iron test measures the amount of iron in your blood.
• Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test measures how well your body can transport iron.
• Transferrin saturation- This shows how much of the transferrin in your blood carries iron.
• UIBC or unsaturated iron-binding capacity- These parameters determine the reserve capacity of transferrin, which is the portion not yet saturated with iron.

If your doctor suspects you have an iron deficiency or overload, they may order an iron studies test. The test can also monitor treatment for iron deficiency or overload.

What does the Iron Studies Test measure?

Iron is essential for performing various body functions and producing healthy red blood cells (RBCs). The body cannot produce iron; it is absorbed from food and supplements. Once the body absorbs iron, it is transported throughout the body by binding to transferrin, a protein produced by the liver.

The iron studies test and additional blood tests like CBC are recommended to get a complete picture of your iron status. Each test measures a different aspect of iron storage, transport, and use in your body. 

Serum iron measures the amount of iron circulating in the blood. It may fluctuate throughout the day depending on meals and recent activity.

Transferring is the ratio that calculates the value obtained by dividing your serum iron level by your TIBC. A high transferrin saturation (over 30%) indicates iron overload. Conversely, a low transferrin saturation (less than 20%) indicates iron deficiency.

UIBC measures the reserve capacity of transferrin, which is not yet bound to iron in the blood. 

These parameters help to identify- 

• Iron deficiency anemia- Low serum iron and transferrin saturation and normal or high TIBC indicate iron deficiency. 
• Iron Overload- High serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation might suggest iron overload.
• Normal iron levels- If all the tests fall within the normal range, your iron levels are likely healthy. 

Preparation for the Iron Studies Test 

The iron studies blood test requires no special preparation before the test. However, there are some specific instructions you must follow before the test-

• Fasting- The test does not require fasting; you can eat as usual before the test.
• Inform your doctor—Discuss your medications and supplements with your doctor, as these might impact your iron levels. 

Feel free to consult your doctor if you feel uncomfortable or have any concerns about the iron studies blood test. 

The procedure of the Iron Studies Test 

The iron studies test procedure is as simple as other blood tests requiring blood sample collection. Let's understand the iron studies procedure in detail-

• First, the phlebotomist ties a band or tourniquet on the arm and then cleans the area with a disinfectant or alcohol-based solution. 
• After that, he will use a sterile needle to collect the blood sample into a vial or tube. 
• You might feel slight pain or discomfort during the procedure, but it will get back to normal sometime. 
• After sample collection, the healthcare provider will put a bandage or cotton gauze in place to stop bleeding.
• The complete process will only take a few minutes.

What are the risks of an iron studies test?

Unlike other blood tests, the iron studies test is a simple blood test that has no or minimal risk. Here's what you can expect:

• Slight discomfort or pain 
• Bruising
• Hematoma 
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Risk of excessive bleeding

In rare cases, there might be a risk of infection at the injection site, but proper hygiene during the procedure minimizes this risk. 

When Should I Take the Iron Studies Test?

Your doctor may recommend the Iron studies test in several cases, such as -

• CBC test reports are abnormal
• Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, headaches
• If you are suspected of certain medical conditions 
• If you are at risk for iron deficiency or overload

If you're concerned about your iron levels, the best action is to talk to your doctor. They can review your symptoms and medical history and decide if an iron studies test suits you.

Who is at risk of abnormal Iron levels?

Anyone can take the Iron studies test, but there are some people to whom doctors recommend to take the iron serum test- 

• To determine the risk for iron deficiency.
• People have menstrual bleeding.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women 
• People who take certain medications
• People who take low iron diet 
• People who donate blood frequently
• Family history of hemochromatosis
• People with regular blood transfusions
• People with certain liver diseases
• People taking high doses of iron

What are the common symptoms of abnormal iron levels in blood?

The iron deficiency may cause the following symptoms-

• Fatigue/tiredness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Pale skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Pallor

The excessive iron in the blood may cause-

• Joint pain
• Fatigue, weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of sex drive
• Lack of energy
• Organ damage, such as in the heart and liver

What do the Iron Studies Test reports indicate?

The iron studies lab test reports will be available within 12 hours of sample collection. You will be able to download the test results online. Here is what the test reports indicate- 

• Normal Iron level- The normal iron level in blood is- 

• Men- 70 to 175 mcg/dL
• Women- 50 to 170 mcg/dL
• Children- 50 to 120 mcg/dL

• Normal TIBC level in men and women is 250 to 450 mcg/dL.

If your iron levels are too low, it means-

• Iron deficiency anemia is common when your body does not make enough blood cells.
• Thalassemia- An inherited disorder in which your body makes fewer normal red blood cells.

If the iron levels are too high, it means- 

• Lead poisoning
• Liver disease
• Hemochromatosis is a condition when your body builds too much iron.

Iron Studies Test price at Redcliffe Labs

The iron profile test price at Redcliffe Labs starts at Rs 449 and goes upto INR 550. You can book your appointment through the Redcliffe Labs app. Download the app and book your test for the best discounts and offers. We have 82+ labs and 2000+ collection centers in India and are still expanding. To serve the nation with high-quality diagnostic tests, we are making diagnostics convenient for everyone. You can book your test online, and the phlebotomist will come to your doorstep to collect blood samples. With NABL accreditation and ISO certification, we ensure we provide accurate test results on time. 

You don't need to go anywhere or wait in long queues; you only have to pick up your phone and book your Iron Studies test today!

Iron Studies Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Iron Studies Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of services in your area.

Take the Iron Studies Test to Take Charge of Your Iron Levels.

If you are still unsure about the cause of fatigue, tiredness, laziness, or body pain, then it's time to consult your doctor. Based on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend an iron studies test with other basic blood tests like CBC and ESR to check the blood components. Don't ignore the symptoms, as they might cause severe health complications later. Book your iron studies test with Redcliffe Labs today to know your iron levels and take charge of your health.