Which Blood Test is Done to Detect Iron Deficiency?

Anaemia is a common nutritional problem that results from iron deficiency and manifests itself in fatigue and weakness. It is important to diagnose iron deficiency early so that the appropriate treatment can be given and the health of the patient can be preserved. The ferritin test is one of the most common tests that doctors use to determine if a person has iron deficiency. This article will discuss the ferritin test, its application in diagnosing iron deficiency and its place in the spectrum of blood tests that are used to assess the body’s iron status. 

Understanding Iron Deficiency  

Iron is a trace element that is vital in the body and is used in the synthesis of haemoglobin. When the levels of iron are low, the body is unable to produce adequate healthy red blood cells, hence resulting in iron deficiency anaemia. Some of the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia are - tiredness, pale skin, difficulty in breathing and dizziness. 

The Ferritin Test: A Brief Look 

The ferritin test is a blood test that helps determine the levels of ferritin in your body. Ferritin is an iron storage protein that is found in your body, and it releases iron when required. Since ferritin is a protein that binds to iron, the ferritin test is useful in diagnosing anaemia and estimating the amount of iron that is available in the body. 

Ferritin Test: What is it for? 

The main use of the ferritin test is to determine the amount of iron in the body. It is often used to:
 
•    Diagnose Iron Deficiency: Low levels of ferritin mean that the body has low iron stores and this is a typical feature of iron deficiency. 
•    Monitor Treatment: In patients with iron deficiency anaemia, the ferritin test is useful in monitoring the response to treatment and the efficacy of iron therapy. 
•    Assess Severity: Serum ferritin levels can be used to assess the severity of iron deficiency and to make further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

How the Ferritin Test Works 

The ferritin test is a routine blood test that requires a blood sample to be taken from a vein usually in the arm. The blood sample is then taken to a laboratory where the ferritin level is tested on the sample collected from the patient. The results are normally obtained in a few days after the test has been conducted. 

Interpreting Ferritin Test Results 

•    Normal Levels: Ferritin levels within the normal range suggest that the body has enough stored iron. However, normal levels do not exclude iron deficiency if other tests indicate the problem. 
•    Low Ferritin Levels: Low ferritin levels mean that iron stores are low and this is a common sign of iron deficiency. This can be attributed to factors, like poor diet, malabsorption or ongoing blood loss from conditions like ulcers or cancer. 
•    High Ferritin Levels: High levels of ferritin may signify inflammation, infection or chronic disease, which may interfere with iron processing. It can also be due to iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis. 

Other Blood Tests for Iron Deficiency 

While the ferritin test is crucial, it is often used in conjunction with other blood tests to provide a comprehensive view of iron status: 

•    Complete Blood Count (CBC): The CBC test determines different aspects of your blood, such as the haemoglobin and haematocrit. Low levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit can be suggestive of anaemia which may be due to iron deficiency. 
•    Serum Iron Test: This test determines the quantity of iron in the blood. It is not always accurate in determining the body’s iron status since the levels of iron in the body can vary from time to time. 
•    Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC): TIBC is the test that determines how much iron the blood can hold and transport. TIBC is high when iron stores are low because the body’s ability to transport iron rises when stores are low. 
•    Transferrin Saturation: This test determines the proportion of transferrin, a protein that transports iron, that is saturated with iron. The levels of transferrin saturation are also low in patients with iron deficiency. 

Ferritin Test Preparation 

Preparation for the ferritin test is usually uncomplicated. You may be asked to: 
 
•    Fast: Some laboratories may ask the patient to fast before the test, but this is not always the case with the ferritin test. It is advisable to adhere to any special directions that your doctor may have given you. 
•    Avoid Supplements: If you are on iron supplements, then your doctor may recommend that you stop the supplements for a short time before the test. It is always advisable to seek medical advice before changing your medication or supplement intake in any way. 

Addressing Iron Deficiency 

If your ferritin test indicates iron deficiency, then your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan, which may include:

•    Dietary Changes: To increase the levels of iron, one should consume more foods containing this mineral, including red meat, poultry, fish, beans and cereals that are fortified with iron. These foods can be accompanied by vitamin C containing foods to increase the absorption of iron. 
•    Iron Supplements: Your provider may prescribe oral iron supplements or, in some cases, intravenous iron therapy. One should adhere to the prescribed dosage to avoid the side effects and also to be able to get cured. 
•    Addressing Underlying Causes: If the cause of iron deficiency is another disease, for example, gastrointestinal bleeding or disorders of iron absorption, then it is necessary to treat the primary disease.

Conclusion 

The ferritin test is very useful in diagnosing and managing iron deficiency. Plus this ferritin test cost is extremely affordable. Thus, the determination of ferritin allows for the correct evaluation of the body’s iron reserves and further management of the patient. If you think you have iron deficiency or are having some of the symptoms, then it is advisable to visit your doctor for the right tests and treatment.