IRON PROFILE

The Iron Profile Test is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates iron metabolism as well as other related components in the patient’s body. Iron, as a critical trace mineral in the body, serves as a crucial component required in the production of haemoglobin which oxygen and is vital in blood transport.  

The test is done using automated chemistry analysers:  

• Preparing different medical samples to determine the levels of iron and various binding proteins.  
• Evaluating the transportation, circulation, and storage of iron.  
• The final conclusions are useful for the diagnoses of anaemia due to iron deficiency, iron overload (hemochromatosis), and chronic diseases. 

Measuring the iron serum alone only provides a one-dimensional conclusion which is critical in testing, the value of the test lies within the full-profile results. 

The Iron Profile Test evaluates a number of important facets, including:  

• Serum Iron: The quantity of iron in circulation that is bound to transferrin. 
• Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): Iron that can be bound to the blood via transferrin. 
• Transferrin Saturation: Percentage of transferrin that is saturated with iron. 
• Ferritin: A protein that stores iron, indicating the body’s reserves. 

Common Symptoms and Situations Requiring an Iron Profile Blood Test 

Practicing physicians recommend this test when: 

• The patient exhibits symptoms of anaemia (fatigue, pallor, weakness).  
• There are indications of iron overload (joint pain, abdominal pain, liver issues).  
• Chronic illnesses such as infections or autoimmune disorders are ongoing and impacting iron metabolism.  
• Assessing nutritional deficiencies.  
• Assessing or Monitoring response to iron supplementation or therapy. 

Understanding the Risks, Limitations, and Accuracy of Your Iron Profile Test Results 

• Risks:  
• There are minimal risks with a blood draw- slight discomfort, bruising, or minor bleeding. 
• Limitations  
• Daily fluctuation of iron levels may be exhibited. Recent food intake, medications, or inflammation can impact levels.  
• Ferritin can act as an acute-phase reactant and may be falsely elevated in the presence of infections or malignancies. 
• Chronic diseases may lead to alterations in TIBC, resulting in multifaceted interpretations.  
• There is a need to relate a single test clinically, making it insufficient as one. In some cases, it even needs to be repeated. 

These parameters include the following:  

• Serum Iron: This is an indicator of iron present in the blood. 
• Transferring Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) is the measurement of blood's ability to transport iron.  
• Transferrin Saturation (%) is measured by dividing serum iron over TIBC and multiplying by one hundred.  
• Ferritin: Indicates the amount of iron stored in body tissues. 

Factors Influencing Iron Profile Test Results: Age, Gender, and Pregnancy 

• Age: Reference ranges for children and the elderly may differ. 
• Gender: Due to menstruation, a pre-menopausal woman will typically have low normal iron levels.  
• Pregnancy: Such women will have significantly changing storage and needs for iron. 

• Sufferers of iron deficiency anaemia: Individuals falling under this classification will experience chronic tiredness or shortness of breath. 
• Patients who have a family history of hemochromatosis. 
• Patients with chronic illnesses such as kidney illness or heart failure as well as inflammatory illnesses.  
• Patients undergoing major surgeries or those who are experiencing chronic blood loss such as heavy menstrual bleeding.  
• Those following a vegetarian diet or people with inadequate dietary intakes. 

• Constant exhaustion. 
• unexplained/ fatigue 
• Light headedness. 
• Anaemia 
• Irregular heart palpitations 
• Unexplained joint pain 
• Impaired cognitive function 

• Early detection of disorders associated with Iron complications. 
• Monitoring of treatment response in patients receiving iron therapy. 
• Mitigation of complications associated with iron overload such as liver cirrhosis or heart disease. 
• Steers supplementation: Makes certain that iron supplements are not exceeding what is safe to prescribe. 

An Iron Profile Test can diagnose: 

• Iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia 
• Hemochromatosis (iron overload) 
• Chronic inflammatory diseases affecting the ire of the body. 
• Anaemia of chronic disease. 
• Hepatic disorders that affect the storage of ferritin. 
• Malnutrition or malabsorption/Absorption syndromes/Disorders. such as Celiac disease. 

Specific Prep Steps: 

• An 8-12 hour fast is encouraged to limit recent dietary intake and its associated variability. 

Prerequisites for the Iron Profile Test 

• Report to your physician any active medications, particularly iron supplements, antibiotics, or oral contraceptives. 

Eligibility for the Iron Profile Test 

• All ages including elderly and paediatric populations. 

How the Iron Profile Test is Conducted 

• Blood is drawn from the antecubital vein.  
• The Laboratory diagnostician analyses the sample and measures through individual processes each parameter of interest to transferrin saturation. 

Caution Before the Iron Profile Test 

• Unless otherwise indicated, do not consume iron tablets or iron-containing supplements for 24 hours preceding the test. 
• Difficulty in vain access may be offset with adequate hydration prior to the test.