Your iron levels
Iron is an incredibly important metal when it comes to blood, playing a crucial role in a number of bodily functions and systems. It is primarily found inside haemoglobin, which is the protein found inside red blood cells tasked with transporting oxygen around the body. Iron is also a large contributing factor when it comes to the proper functioning of the immune system and the production of energy within the body. Having the correct iron levels are important for body functions and as well as your personal health, with a deficiency or excess both leading to potential serious health issues, such as iron overload disorders or even anaemia.
Companies such as Salient.Bio provide a huge range of pathology services and biomarkers including iron (FEL), female hormone (FEMH), kidney functions (KFT) and thyroid function (TFT).
What is included in an iron levels (FEL) biomarker?
Iron biomarkers include a number of blood tests to assess parameters, iron levels and its metabolism within the body. Below is a breakdown of exactly what an iron (FEL) biomarker includes.
Serum ferritin
Ferritin is the name of the protein that stores iron in the body. Using immunoassay techniques, ferritin levels are measured from a blood sample. The results can be hugely informative. A low detection of ferritin typically indicates depleted iron stores and potential iron deficiency. A high detection may indicate haemochromatosis (iron overload) or potential inflammation as ferritin also acts as an acute-phase reactant.
Serum iron
This test detects the amount of iron in the bloodstream. A sample is drawn and collected and then measured for iron using techniques such as colourimetric assays or atomic absorption spectrophotometry. High reading of iron could show an iron overload scenario, whereas a low reading could indicate iron deficiency.
Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
The aim of this test is to ascertain the blood’s capacity for both binding and transporting iron around the body. A blood sample is taken, and then analysed in order to determine its maximum capacity of iron that can be stored and bound to transferrin. High levels of TIBC can potentially indicate low iron or iron deficiency, as the body increases the production of transferrin in order to capture more iron. Logic also follows a low TIBC reading, indicating a possible iron overload.
Transferrin saturation
This test will show how much of the present transferrin is saturated with iron. This information is collated by comparing and combining readings from the TIBC and serum iron tests. A low transferrin saturation reading will show a possible iron deficiency while a high saturation may point to an iron overload.
Haemoglobin and haematocrit
This test is designed to test and measure the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This test can be used as an indicator for general red blood cells health. Using haematology analysers, clinicians will be able to see whether an individual has high or low levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit. Low levels are often the result of iron deficiency and are an indicator of possible anaemia. Higher levels may point to other forms of anaemia, or polycythemia.
These tests, when combined provide detailed and comprehensive insight into a patient’s blood health and iron levels, delivering a distinct advantage when it comes to appropriate medical intervention, diagnosis and treatment.
