Iron Status Profile (Iron Studies)

This blood test provides four measurements of iron storage - if there is anything out of range, our doctors can look at how the levels compare and suggest a course of action.

IRON The serum iron level is a measure of the circulating iron in the blood. It tells us (along with TIBC/UIBC, transferrin and ferritin) the state of the body's iron reserves. An excess in a health screening can indicate disorders of iron storage (such as haemochromatosis), while low levels may indicate (along with changes in TIBC/UIBC, transferrin saturation and ferritin) iron deficiency.

TIBC The TIBC (total iron binding capacity) is a measure of the body's ability to store iron. The higher the level within a health screening, the less iron there is in reserve. This test can be used to detect iron deficiency, and also conditions of iron excess (such as haemochromatosis). It is an equivalent test to UIBC.

Ferritin Ferritin is a protein found in the blood which carries iron. Like TIBC/UIBC, and transferrin saturation, it can tell us how much iron is stored in the body. The higher the level within a health screening, the greater the amount of iron stored. This test can be used to detect iron deficiency, and also conditions of iron excess (such as haemochromatosis). Ferritin can also be raised if inflammation is present in the body somewhere.

Essential: The Sample for this Test MUST arrive in the Laboratory the next day as delay may result in sample degradation. Take Sample on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and Post it on the Same Day.

You will need to upgrade at your local Post Office to a Next Day Return Service at your own cost. As this is a Royal Mail Service you should factor in strikes, Bank Holidays and the lead up to Christmas in your personal assessment of when to send.

Description provided by Blue Horizon Medicals.