Advanced iron profile

Iron is an essential element for blood production. Around 70% of the body’s iron is found in muscle cells (myoglobin) and in red blood cells, known as haemoglobin. Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, which is a part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the tissue. An advanced iron profile is a series of tests that are performed to measure the amount of iron in the blood. An iron profile is used to distinguish between iron deficiency (not enough iron in your blood) anaemia and other kinds of anaemia. It is also useful to detect an iron overload, as too much iron can cause damage to organs such the heart, liver and pancreas.
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What are the reasons for my levels to change?

Some of the main reasons for your levels not to be in an optimal range are:
  • A lack of iron in your diet
  • An inability to absorb iron
  • Blood loss
  • Pregnancy

When should I get tested?

You should test your Iron levels if you experience symptoms such as:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Pale skin
  • Headache
  • Light-headedness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
  • Brittle nails

What is being tested:​

  • Ferritin
Ferritin indicates your body’s iron content, which is critical to diagnosing anaemia or excess iron. An increase in ferritin levels can also indicate an infection, inflammation or kidney and liver disease.
  • Serum Iron
Iron is a substance that naturally occurs in the body which is always bound to the protein transferrin. Measuring iron is of limited value on its own, but when assessed with the other markers of the iron profile it can provide a useful picture.
  • Transferrin Saturation
Transferrin saturation is a percentage derived by dividing the serum iron by the TIBC.
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