IRON STUDIES

Iron Studies (Fe) are a set of blood tests to measure and estimate the amount of elemental iron carried in the blood and stored in the body tissues. Iron is an essential component of Hemoglobin, and Iron Deficiency is a common cause of Anemia (Low Blood Count).

Disease	Iron	TIBC	Transferrin Saturation
Iron Deficiency	Low	High	Low
Hemocromatosis/Hemosiderosis	High	Low	High
Chronic Illness	Low	Low/Normal	Low/Normal
Hemolytic Anemia	High	Normal/Low	High
Sideroblastic Anemia	Normal/High	Normal/Low	High
Iron Poisoning	High	Normal	High

Your body requires Iron for proper growth and development. Hemoglobin is a protein found in Red Blood Cells that your body produces using Iron. In addition to carrying Oxygen from the Lungs to every area of the body, Iron is necessary for the proper functioning of Bone Marrow, Muscles, and Organs. Moreover, your body needs iron to produce certain Hormones. Iron can be obtained through diet or supplementation. While there are only-Iron supplements, Iron is also present in many multivitamin/mineral supplements.

Iron bound to transferrin in the blood is measured by the serum iron test, which measures the quantity of iron in transit in the body. Iron studies evaluate your body's iron levels by measuring multiple iron compounds in the blood. An iron-carrying protein in blood is called transferrin. It assists in identifying and diagnosing iron overload or deficiency along with other tests. This test may also be used to differentiate various causes of anemia.

Iron Studies is advised if you are suffering from following symptoms:

For Iron Deficiency:

• Chronic fatigue/tiredness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Pallor
• Heavy periods

For Iron Overload:

• Joint pain
• Fatigue, weakness
• Lack of energy
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of sex drive
• Organ damage, such as in the heart and liver

• Iron: Iron is vital for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. It supports energy production, immune function, and cognitive health. Deficiency or excess can lead to conditions like anemia or organ damage, making proper iron balance essential for overall health.
• Total Iron Binding Capacity: Iron-binding capacity, measured as total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), reflects the blood’s ability to transport iron. It helps assess iron deficiency or overload by indicating how much transferrin, the iron-carrying protein, is available. High TIBC suggests iron deficiency, while low TIBC may indicate iron overload or chronic disease.
• Transferrin Saturation: It measures how well iron attaches to transferrin and other proteins in the blood.

• It's best to fast overnight and give your sample before midday. For at least 24 hours before sample collection, avoid iron supplementation. 
• Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to this test. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
• Drink adequate water before sample collection.
• Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.

The Blood Sample for Iron Studies is taken in following steps:

• The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
• A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
• A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
• Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
• Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.

• Go to the Dr. B. Lal Lab website.
• Go to the “Book a test” tab.
• Select the “Lab Test” tab.
• Type “Iron Studies” in the search bar.
• Click on the test.
• The test page with all the test details will show up.
• Click on “Book Now”.
• Login and verify your mobile number with OTP.
• Now enter your details. 
• Select date & time for booking Iron Studies in Jaipur. 
• Check out.

The Price of an Iron Studies is Rs. 750. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:

• Other tests advised along with Iron Studies
• Offers or discounts
• Empanelment of the patient