Iron Profile Tests are a group of blood tests that give information about iron in your blood and Transferrin. The iron profile measures the total amount of iron in your blood. The iron profile may also tell how much iron is in the body besides what is in red blood cells. Iron deficiency is the main reason for anemia. It is not a disease but a symptom of other clinical conditions like Peptic ulcer, Gastric Cancer, Diarrhea, Vitamin C deficiency, etc.
The iron profile is the best way to differentiate between iron deficiency (not enough iron in your blood) anemia and other kinds of anemias. Mostly iron-deficient anemia are babies, children, young teenagers, and pregnant women. The iron profile is also helpful in finding and treating overload iron in your body (having too much iron in your blood). It may be because it runs in the family or by children taking iron medicine.
What happens during a Iron Profile Test?
During a Iron Profile Test, a lab technician will collect blood from a vein, typically from the inside of your elbow or from the back of your hand. The test will take only a few minutes. The technician:
- Cleans your skin with an antiseptic wipe
- Places an elastic band, or tourniquet, around your upper arm to help the vein swell with blood
- Inserts a needle in your vein and collect a blood sample in one or more vials
- Removes the elastic band
- Covers the area with a bandage to stop any bleeding
- Place a barcode on your blood sample vial and send them to a lab for analysis
A blood test can be slightly uncomfortable. When the needle punctures your skin, you might feel a prick or pinching sensation. Some people also feel faint or light-headed when they see blood. Afterward, you may have minor bruising, but it will clear up within a few days.
24 Hours
12 Hours
Male, Female
5-99 Years
Iron profile Parameters Included : 4
- Iron
- TIBC
- UIBC
- Transferrin Saturation