Iron Profile Test

Iron Profile Test Overview

Iron is a key mineral in the body, as it is essential for the production of red blood cells (RBCs). These red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Having too little or too much iron can lead to a number of health issues. To keep it under check, doctors recommend undergoing the Iron Profile Test. 

It helps to assess many factors associated with iron metabolism present in the body. It checks the levels of different iron-related indicators, such as serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin.

​It is a blood test used to measure iron levels in the body. Iron is a vital mineral that is required in the formation of haemoglobin in the body.

Why is the Iron Profile Test Prescribed?

Your health care provider may order iron deficiency profile test-.

1. To diagnose iron deficiency anaemia in case of symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, breathlessness, headache, weakness, palpitation, etc

2. To diagnose iron overload in the body in case of symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, pain in joints, weakness, etc

3. To monitor the response to the treatment of above mentioned conditions

Components of the Iron Profile Test?

Serum Iron test is a measurement of the circulating iron that is bound to Transferrin (which is generally 25-30% saturated with iron). The additional amount of iron that can be bound is the unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC). The Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) can be indirectly determined using the sum of the serum iron and UIBC.

Approximately 65% of the iron in the body is bound up in haemoglobin molecules in red blood cells. About 4% is bound up in myoglobin molecules. Around 30% of the iron in the body is stored as ferritin or hemosiderin in the spleen, the bone marrow and the liver. Small amounts of iron can be found in other molecules in cells throughout the body. This iron cannot be measured.

Serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, and per cent saturation are widely used for the diagnosis of iron deficiency. 

Reference range

1. Serum Iron-50 to 170 micrograms/decilitre

2. TIBC-Total iron binding capacity-250 to 450 micrograms/decilitre

3. Transferrin saturation-20% to 50%

Preparation and Perquisites 

There is no special preparation required to undergo the iron deficiency profile test. The clinician would withdraw some amount of blood for the testing. There will be small discomfort during the process.