Ironology Iron Panel

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.

Also known as: Hb, Hemoglobin Hgb, Hgb

Hemoglobin

Serum hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the hemoglobin outside of the red blood cells. Most of the hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells, not in the serum.

Also known as: Iron and TIBC, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC, TIBC

% Saturation

Iron Binding Capacity

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you may have too much or too little iron in the blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your doctor know how well that protein can carry iron in the blood.

Iron, Total

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. For example, iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. It helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes. Your body needs the right amount of iron. If you have too little iron, you may develop iron deficiency anemia. Causes of low iron levels include blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from foods. People at higher risk of having too little iron are young children and women who are pregnant or have periods.

Transferrin

Transferrin is a direct measure of the iron binding capacity and is useful in assessing iron balance, iron deficiency and overload.
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The Ironology Iron Panel panel contains 4 tests with 6 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Ironology Iron Panel is a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to assess the iron status and related parameters in an individual’s blood. It evaluates multiple components to provide a detailed picture of iron metabolism, which is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions related to iron levels in the body. By analyzing iron stores, transport capacity, and usage, this panel aids in identifying various hematological and metabolic disorders.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood and Serum

Test Preparation: Fasting for at least 12 hours is required. Collection should be done in the morning.

When and Why the Ironology Iron Panel May Be Ordered

The Ironology Iron Panel is typically ordered when symptoms suggest conditions of iron imbalance such as anemia, chronic fatigue, or when iron overload is suspected. It is also frequently utilized in cases where individuals have a known history of hematological disorders or are at risk of developing them, such as those with a family history of hemochromatosis or chronic anemia. This panel is essential for confirming diagnoses, guiding treatment, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions aimed at correcting iron-related disorders.

What the Ironology Iron Panel Checks For

This panel includes several key tests that together provide a comprehensive overview of iron status:

  • Ferritin: This test measures the level of ferritin in the blood, which is a protein that stores iron. Ferritin levels indicate the amount of iron stored in the body and can help diagnose conditions related to iron deficiency or overload.

  • Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. Hemoglobin levels are crucial for diagnosing anemia and understanding its severity.

  • Iron Total: This test measures the total amount of iron in the blood, providing direct insight into the body's iron availability for making red blood cells.

  • Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): TIBC measures the blood's capacity to bind iron with transferrin, which is the main protein that transports iron through the blood. This test helps assess iron deficiency or overload in conjunction with serum iron levels.

  • Transferrin: Transferrin is a blood plasma protein that binds iron and transports it throughout the body. This test is useful for assessing iron deficiency and the body’s ability to transport iron effectively.

What Conditions or Diseases the Ironology Iron Panel Can Detect

This panel is instrumental in detecting and managing several conditions:

  • Iron Deficiency Anemia: Characterized by a lack of sufficient iron to produce normal levels of hemoglobin. This condition can lead to fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath. The panel can detect this through low iron and ferritin levels alongside a high TIBC.

  • Iron Overload (Hemochromatosis): A genetic disorder causing the body to absorb too much iron from food. It can lead to liver disease, heart problems, and diabetes. High levels of iron and ferritin and low TIBC in the panel indicate this condition.

  • Anemia of Chronic Disease: Occurs in individuals with chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancers. This condition shows normal to low iron levels, low TIBC, and high ferritin.

Using the Results of the Ironology Iron Panel

Healthcare professionals use the results of the Ironology Iron Panel to:

  • Diagnose and Differentiate Anemias: By evaluating hemoglobin, ferritin, iron, TIBC, and transferrin levels, clinicians can identify the type of anemia and its underlying cause.

  • Monitor Treatment: Regular testing with this panel helps in monitoring the effectiveness of iron supplements or other treatments aimed at normalizing iron levels.

  • Manage Chronic Conditions: For chronic conditions like hemochromatosis, periodic monitoring through the panel helps manage iron levels and prevent complications.

The Ironology Iron Panel is a vital tool in both the diagnosis and management of diseases associated with iron metabolism. It offers comprehensive insights that are crucial for effective treatment planning and ongoing management of conditions ranging from iron deficiency anemia to iron overload disorders. Utilizing this panel ensures targeted treatment strategies, better patient outcomes, and optimized health management in individuals facing issues related to iron levels.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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