Which tests do I need to have to find out if my iron levels are normal?

Question

i have a blood test form and i'm not sure which ones i should tick? under "haematology" it lists:

full blood count
ESR
INR
coagulation screen
without bleeding time
with bleeding time

Fe IBC
Ferritin
B12/Folate

Answer 1

The serum ferritin is indeed the best test for storage iron,
but I would check the serum Fe (iron) and the TIBC (total iron binding capacity) - and - I would want a CBC (complete blood count - or what you list as 'full' blood count). Then , I would look at a peripheral blood smear myself - - but I'm a hematologist and oncologist (retired now) and have experience looking at these to evaluate anemias.

You don't need the ESR (sedimentation rate), the coagulation screen (for blood clotting), the bleeding time study, or the serum tests for the vitamins Folate and B12 to evaluate for simple iron deficiency - - Unless, the CBC and blood smear suggest something more complicated is going on.

Answer 2

You probably dont need to know your iron level if you are not anemic. Of the listed choices the complete blood count will contain the hemoglobin and hematocrit needed to assess anemia. If you are instead trying to determine if your iron therapy is working because you already know you have anemia issues, the Fe plus IBC is that specific test. Of course, the B12 folate will give you clues as to whether or not your anemia is vitamin deficiency related.

Answer 3

serum ferritin

See the following website from the Merck Manual, a trusted reference:

http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec11/ch130/ch130b.html?qt=iron&alt=sh

Please note, anemia is a complex subject, I am rusty on the basic physiology. Unless medical tests confirm the need for iron you should not take iron supplements.

A good way to keep from getting iron deficient anemia is to cook in an iron skillet. Excessive iron is toxic to the liver, and prior to the requirement of safty caps, was second only to asprin as the cause of death by poisoning in children.

Sometimes a vitamin problem causes anemia.

Answer 4

you need a doctor's order for the tests -so let the doctor order.