Some companies require people to visit an affiliate laboratory location for the procedure. On the other hand, not all at-home iron tests are actually at home. Many companies use accredited laboratories to process the results, and some provide results online or via an app within a couple of days.Īdditionally, some companies accept payment through health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). A person does not have to make an appointment or get a referral from their doctor. The most obvious benefit to at-home iron tests is convenience. Some at-home iron tests can check iron levels. If levels do not return to the accepted range, the doctor may recommend more testing to determine the cause of the deficiency or suggest a different treatment plan. Typically, a person’s doctor will order follow-up blood tests. In severe cases of anemia, they may require treatment with intravenous iron. However, they should only use them under the supervision of a doctor. People can take oral iron supplements at home. Phytates, present in some pulses, can also reduce iron absorption.Ī doctor may recommend iron supplements to increase ferritin levels. However, tannic acid, found in tea, can make iron absorption difficult. Some foods and drinks can affect iron absorption.įor example, supplements and foods rich in vitamin C can help increase iron absorption.
If low iron levels result from bleeding, the doctor will address this problem. If a person has low ferritin or iron levels, their doctor will need to evaluate how severe the deficiency is and identify the underlying cause. Other factors that can lead to high iron levels are blood transfusions and dietary factors, including the use of supplements.Ī person with high ferritin levels will need more tests to identify the underlying cause and help doctors determine the best course of treatment. certain cancers, including leukemia and Hodgkin lymphoma.
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porphyria, a group of disorders that affect the production of heme, a component of hemoglobin and impact the nervous system or skin.Several health conditions may lead to increased ferritin and iron levels, including: a gray, metallic, or bronze tone to the skin.joint pain, often in the hands or knees.High ferritin levels can indicate a person has too much iron in their blood.Ī person with very high iron levels may experience: However, mild anemia may not produce any symptoms. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause the following: However, it is the most common cause of anemia. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transfers oxygen from the lungs around the body.Īn iron deficiency can occur with or without anemia. Low ferritin levels suggest an iron deficiency. Zinc protoporphyrin: Detects iron deficiency and lead toxicity.HFE gene test: Looks for the genetic features of hemochromatosis.Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC): Checks how well iron attaches to proteins in the blood.Hematocrit: Measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood.Hemoglobin: Test levels of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.Complete blood count (CBC): Tests the levels of all parts of the blood, as well as the size of cells.hemochromatosis, a condition wherein there is too much iron in the bodyĪdditionally, doctors may order ferritin blood tests to monitor chronic health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, kidney disease, and cancer.iron-deficiency anemia, or a low red blood cell count.When a person shows signs of having too much or too little iron, a ferritin blood test can help diagnose or rule out certain medical conditions. Iron plays a critical role in several metabolic processes including carrying oxygen throughout the body and moving electrons within cells. The ferritin blood test measures how much iron is stored in a person’s body.įerritin is a protein that stores iron inside cells. Share on Pinterest Reza Estakhrian/Getty Images
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