Iron Profile Tests

What are the Iron Profile Tests?

Iron profile tests, also known as Iron Profile or Iron studies, are a group of blood tests that check key markers related to iron in your body. These tests help your healthcare provider understand how much iron is circulating in your blood, how well your body can transport and store iron, and if you have too much or too little iron. An iron profile usually includes:

• Serum Iron: Measures the amount of iron currently circulating in your blood.

• Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): Shows how well iron binds to proteins (like transferrin) that transport it.

• Transferrin Saturation: Calculates the percentage of transferrin carrying iron.

• Ferritin: Measures how much iron is stored in your body.

Together, these tests give a clear overview of your body’s iron status and help identify many different health conditions.

Indications of the Iron profile test

Your doctor may recommend iron profile tests if you have:

• Symptoms of iron deficiency (tiredness, pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath)

• Symptoms of iron overload (joint pain, fatigue, darkened skin, abdominal pain)

• Chronic blood loss (such as from periods or gastrointestinal issues)

• Anemia or risk of anemia

• Chronic conditions affecting iron (such as kidney disease or certain infections)

• Are pregnant or have dietary risk factors (like vegetarian/vegan diet)
  These tests also help monitor your response to iron supplements or treatments.

Patient Preparation/Instructions

To ensure accurate results:

• Fasting: You may need to fast (no food or drink except water) for 8–12 hours before your blood is taken.

• Iron Supplements: Avoid iron-containing supplements for at least 24 hours before testing.

• Medications: Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines or vitamins you are taking, as some can affect results.

• Timing: It’s best to have your sample taken before noon.

Your healthcare provider or Labtestzote will give you exact instructions based on your situation.

Typical Reference Values

Reference values can differ by lab, but typical adult normal ranges are:

• Serum Iron: 60–170µg/dL (men), 50–170µg/dL (women)

• Ferritin: 20–500ng/mL (men), 20–200ng/mL (women)

• TIBC: 250–450µg/dL

• Transferrin Saturation: 20–50%
  Your lab report will show the reference ranges used for your test.

Time it takes to get Report

Results from iron profile tests are typically available within 24 hours after your sample is collected. Some labs may provide same-day results.

How to order the Iron profile test

1. Order Your Test Online:
   Search for “Iron Profile” on the Labtestzote website or find it in the iron studies section. Add the test to your cart and check out.

2. Register/Login:
   Create a Labtestzote account or sign in.

3. Get Lab Order & Instructions:
   After payment, your laboratory order with preparation instructions will appear in your customer portal.

4. Visit a Nairobi Lab:
   Go to your chosen partner laboratory in Nairobi at the scheduled time with your order or ID for sample collection.

5. Sample Collection:
   A professional will collect your blood sample quickly and safely.

6. Get Results:
   Labtestzote will notify you by email when your results are ready—usually in 1–2 days. Log in to your account to view or download your secure report and share it with your doctor.

Labtestzote’s services are convenient and available to clients in Nairobi and throughout Kenya.