Iron Deficiency Profile aids to measure the amount of iron present in the body which helps to detect an iron deficiency or overload. The deficiency of iron leads to anemia, shortness of breath, headache, weakness, chest pain, while iron overload can cause organ damage and toxicity in the body. Thyrocare offers Iron Deficiency Profile at the most affordable price. Sample collection at home available.
Iron is an essential nutrient that, among other functions, is required for the production of healthy red blood cells (RBCs). It is a critical part of hemoglobin, the protein in RBCs that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it as blood circulates to other parts of the body. The serum iron test measures the amount of iron in the liquid portion of blood.
Serum iron is almost always measured with other iron tests, such as serum ferritin, transferrin and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). These tests are often ordered at the same time and the results interpreted together to help diagnose and/or monitor iron deficiency or iron overload.
The body cannot produce iron and must absorb it from the foods we eat or from supplements. Once absorbed, it is transported throughout the body by binding to transferrin, a protein produced by the liver.
In healthy people, most of the iron absorbed is incorporated into the hemoglobin inside RBCs. The remainder is stored in the tissues as ferritin or hemosiderin, with additional small amounts used to produce other proteins such as myoglobin and some enzymes.
When the level of iron is insufficient to meet the body’s needs, the iron level in the blood drops and iron stores are depleted. This may occur because:
Insufficient levels of circulating and stored iron may eventually lead to iron deficiency anemia (decreased hemoglobin). In the early stage of iron deficiency, no physical effects are usually seen and the amount of iron stored may be significantly depleted before any signs or symptoms of iron deficiency develop. If a person is otherwise healthy and anemia develops over a long period of time, symptoms seldom appear before the hemoglobin in the blood drops below the lower limit of normal.
However, as the iron-deficiency progresses, symptoms eventually begin to develop. The most common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches and pale skin.
On the other hand, too much iron can be toxic to the body. Iron blood levels and iron storage increase when more iron is absorbed than the body needs. Absorbing too much iron can lead to progressive accumulation and damage to organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. An example of this is hemochromatosis, a genetic disease in which the body absorbs too much iron, even on a normal diet. Additionally, iron overdose can occur when someone consumes more than the recommended amount of iron.
Iron Deficiency Profile may be ordered as follow-up tests when results from a complete blood count (CBC) show that a person’s hemoglobin and hematocrit are low and their red blood cells are smaller and paler than normal (microcytic and hypochromic), suggesting iron deficiency anemia even though other clinical symptoms may not have developed yet.
Testing may be ordered when a person develops signs and symptoms of anemia, such as :
Iron Deficiency Profile testing may be ordered when iron overload is suspected. Signs and symptoms will vary from person to person and tend to worsen over time. They are associated with iron accumulation in the blood and tissues. These may include:
When a child is suspected to have ingested iron tablets, a serum iron test is ordered to detect and help assess the severity of the poisoning.
Iron Deficiency Profile tests may also be ordered periodically when iron deficiency or overload is being treated to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Answer: A Iron Deficiency Profile requires a blood sample. Laboratory testing involves using a needle to remove a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm.
Answer: Yes, we at Secondmedic ensures that you get good health at affordable price. Hence, we give you the best Iron Deficiency Profile Offer that you can get online and free home service.
Answer: At-home Iron Deficiency Profile usually cost less than Rs. 1,000, which includes the cost of shipping your blood sample to the lab. We at Secondmedic provide you the best offer at Rs. 500.
Answer: Men and women over and above the age of 5 years can get this test done.
Answer: No special preparation needed. Inform your doctor about the medications you may be taking.
Answer: You will receive your reports through SMS and Email from Laboratory within 24/48 hours
