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Iron is important for the body to function properly. However, too much or too little iron can cause problems.
For those of us who enjoy eating iron-riched food, nothing beats well-cooked meat. The charred, spiced outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside make for a great bite. However, this food not only pampers the senses but also provides the nutrients your body needs.
One of the nutrients your body absorbs from this delicious meat is iron. If you're not a meat
lover, don't be disappointed. All types of foods are rich in iron, including broccoli, dry fruits, quinoa, spinach, eggs, raisins, and lentils. After ingestion, the body sucks out all the irony goodness.
Most of this absorbed iron is used to form hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that is essential for supplying oxygen throughout the body. The iron is not readily available. It is stored as a protein called ferritin. The word “Ferritin” means “iron” in the Latin language hence it’s called “Ferrum” . Blood test for measurement of iron and transferrin levels can be measured with blood tests. Often the patient is asked to fast for 12 hours before taking a blood sample. This is to allow time for the newly ingested iron to be absorbed. A standard blood draw then gives the laboratory technician a sample to use in the iron & ferritin level calculations.
-Serum iron levels reflect the total amount of iron in the blood. The normal range for men is 65 to 176 micrograms/deciliter and for women is 50 to 170 micrograms/deciliter.
-Ferritin levels measure the amount of ferritin or iron stored in the body. In men, the normal range is 20 to 500 nanograms/ml and in women 20 to 200 nanograms/ml is normal.
-Transferrin Test, is a test to measure the amount of transferrin. Transferrin is a protein that
moves iron through the human body.
-Total iron binding capacity, commonly called TIBC helps determine how iron attaches to transferrin and other proteins.
Why these tests are important?
-To check the iron level
-Helps in the diagnosis of anemia
-It also helps in knowing if a patient is suffering from hemochromatosis
When does one need to get iron test done?
An individual should get their iron levels checked if they see the following changes in their body
-In the case of low iron levels:
1. Pale skin
2. Fatigue
3. Weakness & dizziness
4. Bodyache
5. Shortness of breath
-In the case of increased iron levels:
1. Joint ache
2. Low energy levels
3. Loss in appetite
4. Weight loss
5. Abdominal pain
What Happens During an Iron Test?
A medical professional uses a small needle to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
After the needle prick, a small amount of blood is drawn into a test tube or vial. There may be a slight tingling sensation when inserting and removing the needle. Usually, this takes him/her not more than five minutes. Need to prepare for the test?
The doctor may tell her to fast (not eat or drink) for 12 hours before the test. Testing is usually done in the morning. If you have any questions about preparing for the test, ask your doctor.
Are there any risks in iron testing?
The risk of blood tests is very minute. Mild pain and bruising may occur where the needle is inserted.
What do the results mean?
If one or more iron tests show that your iron levels are too low, it could mean you have an iron deficiency which is a common form of anemia. Anemia is a condition in which the body cannot make enough red blood cells. Another type of anemia is thalassemia, it is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to make fewer than normal healthy red blood cells.
If one or more iron tests show that your iron levels are too high, it could mean you have:
Hemochromatosis, it is a disorder in which excess iron accumulates in the body which leads to poisoning and liver diseases.
Most conditions of too little or too much iron can be successfully managed with iron supplements, diet, medications, or other treatments.
Conclusion: We at Diagnear provide you with blood test service at the comfort of your home. We possess a team of highly skilled and experinced professionals who work day and night to make health and wellness an easier concept for you. To book your blood test visit: www.diagnear.com
