Did you know that 1 in 6 people suffer from iron-deficiency anaemia?
Iron is an important mineral as it has a role to play in several metabolic processes in the body. An iron level test at home allows people to check their iron levels and whether they have iron deficiency anaemia without having to make a Doctors appointment.
What role does Iron have to play in the body?
Iron is important for the human body as it plays a vital role in several metabolic processes including:
- creation of blood cells
- hormone production
- oxygen transportation in the blood
There are two main forms of iron we can get through our diet:
- Heme – the more absorbable form that comes from animal sources such as mear, poultry and seafood
- Nonheme – the less absorbable form that comes from iron-fortified foods and plant sources
If we don’t consume enough iron as part of our diet, then this can result in iron deficiency. People who menstruate, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding will require more iron, so they are more likely to have iron deficiency.
There are certain health conditions that can also prevent people from absorbing the iron they consume, including:
- celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- duodenal cancer
- duodenal ulcers
Iron tests can check how much iron is present in the blood and give an indication as to whether there is too little, too much or a healthy amount of this essential mineral.
What are iron level tests?
An iron test can help detect whether a person has low, normal of high levels of iron in their blood. Measurement of biomarkers in the blood, such as ferritin, is a simple and more reliable indicator of iron deficiency anaemia compared with the traditional full blood count(FBC).
The Test2Go Iron Level Test is safe and easy to use, offering you a simple way to check for iron deficiency anaemia in a finger-prick blood drop with reliable results in 10 minutes.
What does the Iron Level Test contain?
The test kit contains:
- One test device
- One plastic pipette
- One small bottle containing 1ml of dilutent
- Two sterile lancets to obtain a blood sample
- One instruction leaflet
You will also need a watch or clock with a second hand or timer, and a clean tissue.
When should the iron level test be performed?
The iron level test can be used at any time of the day but must not be performed if:
- you are ill
- suffering from acute inflammation
- suffering a spleen or liver injury
What should I do if the iron level test shows that I could be iron deficient?
If the test shows a positive result then it means the ferritin level in your blood is lower than normal (approx 20ng/mL). You should get in touch with your doctor and mention your test results. Your doctor can then decide if any further investigation should be performed.
Our test is for advisory purposes only. It is not a medical diagnosis.
NB. It is important to note that our tests are not a substitute for seeing a doctor, particularly if you have symptoms. It would help if you did not make a diagnosis or start any treatment without a consultation with a doctor or a suitably trained health professional.
References
- NHS – Iron deficiency anaemia
- Mayo Clinic – Iron deficiency anaemia
- World Health Organisation – Anaemia
