Iron Test

What is an Iron Profile test?

Iron is an essential nutrient which is required to make red blood cells. As the body is unable to produce iron, all the iron in your body must be consumed from your diet or from supplements. The Better2Know Iron test gives you an overview of your iron status.

Why consider an iron test?

You may develop anaemia if over an extended period, your diet does not provide you with enough iron. During pregnancy and childhood and in situations where there is a chronic loss of blood, such as colon cancer, women with heavy periods, or stomach ulcers, you have a greater need for iron. You may not be able to absorb enough iron from your diet due to other conditions such as Coeliac disease, which can also result in iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia may not produce symptoms in the early stages, but over time, common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches
• Pale skin

The Better2Know iron test may be for you if you have experienced any of these symptoms, are pregnant, have heavy periods or think you have Coeliac disease. The iron test will establish whether there are abnormalities in your iron levels.

Iron overload indicating too much iron, is less common but can have serious health implications, particularly for children. The Better2Know iron test will also detect if you have higher than normal iron levels.

How does this test work?

At a Better2Know clinic of your choice, you will be asked to have a blood sample taken which will then be sent to our fully certified UK laboratory for testing.

What tests will be run on my sample?

Better2Know's iron test will evaluate your iron level (too much or too little) as well as the following:

• Total iron-binding capacity. This test measures the ability of the blood to attach to and transport iron around the body
• Ferritin. This test measures the amount of iron stored in the body used to diagnose anaemia or iron overload
• Transferrin saturation. This is the main protein that binds iron in the blood

How will I receive my test results?

Your iron test results will become available within one working day of your blood sample arriving at our laboratory. One of our Patient Services team will contact you personally to inform you that your results are ready to review. You can then use the log in details provided when you booked your test to access your secure patient area of the Better2Know website to view your results.

What happens if I need further help after my iron status test results?

If the iron test reveals abnormal levels, we advise you to seek further medical advice. Better2Know can arrange a telephone or face-to-face consultation using our network of skilled doctors across the UK. Your Better2Know doctor can prescribe any medication you may require or recommend certain supplements or dietary modifications to help increase the levels of iron in your system.

Book your iron status test now

Please click on “Get Started” or call Better2Know on the number at the top of the page and a member of our dedicated Patient Services team will book you in for your test. They will also be happy to answer any of your questions.