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Iron, Serum

Also known as Serum Fe

₹369~~₹433~~ 14% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory.
Avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours prior to sample collection.

Understanding Iron, Serum

What is Iron, Serum?

An Iron, Serum measures the amount of iron present in your body. This test is usually done if someone is suspected of iron deficiency or overload. It may also be done as a part of routine health checkups and as a follow-up if a person has abnormal iron levels and is undergoing treatment for the same.

Iron is an essential nutrient required to produce healthy red blood cells (RBCs). It is an important part of hemoglobin, the protein in RBCs that combines with oxygen and is transported to various body parts. Apart from this it improves cognitive function, helps produce energy, strengthens the immune system, and promotes healthier nails, skin, and hair.

An Iron, Serum test is usually needed if an individual experiences symptoms suggestive of low iron levels, such as pale skin, fatigue, headaches, weakness, brittle nails, etc. Low levels of iron can be due to anemia, decreased intake of iron during pregnancy and lactation, or acute or chronic blood loss.

On the other hand, iron overload may cause tiredness, joint pain, abdominal pain, low sex drive, damage to the heart or liver, etc. High levels of iron (hemochromatosis) in the body may indicate a possible case of severe liver disease.

Most of the conditions associated with low iron levels can be successfully treated with iron supplements and iron-rich diets. Furthermore, iron overload (excess iron) can be treated with certain medicines/therapy advised by doctors and by refraining from iron-rich sources.

Usually, overnight fasting is preferred, but not mandatory, before undergoing an Iron, Serum test. However, it is also important to inform the doctor about any of the medicines you are taking, especially iron supplements, as some of them may affect your iron levels and need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may vary between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Discuss your symptoms and specific test results with your doctor to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help doctors make informed decisions regarding your health. This may include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, exercise, and supplements or medications if needed.

What is Iron, Serum used for?

An Iron, Serum test can be done:

As part of routine health checkups to estimate iron levels in your body.
If you have signs or symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia, like pallor, fatigue, weakness, or headaches.
If your CBC test results show that your hemoglobin and hematocrit are low and RBCs are smaller and paler than normal, which usually suggests iron-deficiency anemia.
If you have signs or symptoms of increased accumulation of iron in the body, like joint pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, or loss of body hair.
To monitor ongoing treatment for iron deficiency anemia or iron overload.

What does Iron, Serum measure?

An Iron, Serum test determines iron levels in the blood and can help diagnose conditions like anemia, or iron overload in the body. People usually suffer from low iron levels in the blood if they prefer a diet that has low iron content, or if their body has trouble absorbing the iron from the foods or supplements they intake. Low iron levels can also occur due to intense blood loss or even during pregnancy. Similarly, an excess amount of iron in the blood can occur due to over-intake of iron supplements, blood transfusions, or if you are suffering from a condition called hemochromatosis (a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the body or cause problems in the body to remove excess iron).

Therefore, doctors often suggest an Iron, Serum to help check the status of your iron level, get valuable information about your nutritional well-being, detect potential health issues (if any), and take timely preventive measures.

Interpreting Iron, Serum results

Interpretations

Serum iron test is usually evaluated in conjunction with other iron tests.

A low iron with a high TIBC and transferrin usually indicates iron deficiency anemia. Various causes of iron deficiency are decreased intake, pregnancy, lactation, malabsorption syndromes
High levels of serum iron can occur as a result of multiple blood transfusions, lead poisoning, liver diseases, sideroblastic anemia, hemachromatosis

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Iron, Serum

Frequently Asked Questions about Iron, Serum

Q. Why do I need an Iron, Serum test?

You need an Iron, Serum test to check the amount of iron in the blood. This test also helps diagnose conditions like anemia, iron deficiency, and hemochromatosis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with an Iron, Serum?

No, there is no risk associated with Iron, Serum. However, some individuals may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some individuals may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. What is the role of iron in the body?

Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. It also plays a role in enzyme production and supports muscle and DNA metabolism.

Q. Can iron levels affect pregnancy?

Yes, iron is crucial during pregnancy for the development of the baby. Iron deficiency can lead to complications for both the mother and baby.

Q. What is iron overload and how can it be prevented?

Iron overload is a condition that occurs when there is too much iron in the blood, which can damage organs. It can be prevented by avoiding excessive intake of iron supplements and monitoring iron levels regularly.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of iron overload?

The signs and symptoms of iron overload include joint pain, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, lack of energy, abdominal pain, loss of sex drive, and damage to organs like liver or heart.

Q. What are the possible causes of iron deficiency?

Common causes of iron deficiency include not getting enough iron in your diet, chronic blood loss, pregnancy, and vigorous exercise.

Q. What is iron-deficiency anemia?

The iron-deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body does not have enough iron to make hemoglobin. Iron deficiency symptoms, such as fatigue, extreme weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, etc., may develop over time. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements to treat iron-deficiency anemia.

Q. What causes iron deficiency in children?

Premature birth and low birth weight, feeding children less than 2 years of age a high quantity of cow’s milk, providing a poor diet to children in the second year of their life, and possible gastrointestinal diseases may lead to iron deficiency in children.