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What is the Iron-FER Test for?
The Iron-FER Test detects the concentration of ferritin in blood, in order to define a possible iron deficiency in the body. Several clinical studies have shown that the determination of ferritin levels in the blood can be used as an aid in the diagnosis of an iron deficiency anaemia. A decrease can be also caused by pregnancy, tuberculosis, haemorrhages and any change in iron uptake.
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that allows the storage of iron inside cells and releases it in times of need, making it quickly usable by the body. This protein is present in all cells, particularly in those of the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Iron is an essential metal for our bodies and is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood. Verifying the levels of ferritin in the blood means evaluating the iron stores in the body. In a state of iron deficiency, reserves are reduced before the anaemia manifests itself: the level of ferritin is, therefore, useful for determining a depletion of iron stores.
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Who should use the Iron-FER Test?
The Iron-FER Test can be easily used at home from around 15 years of age because before this age, normal levels are higher than the decision value of the cut-off level of this test. The Iron-FER Test is recommended for all those who have a healthy and balanced life and, above all, for pregnant women: during pregnancy, the need for iron is doubled and a deficiency at this stage of foetal development can lead to complications of brain development."
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How does the Iron-FER test work?
The Iron-FER Test is an immunochromatographic assay that detects the protein ferritin in blood thanks to special monoclonal gold-conjugate antibodies embedded to test strip. This device can detect a lower ferritin level, or higher level, than 20 ng / mL, in accordance with the international guidelines. Results in just 10 minutes.
1) The sample is a blood drop taken with the sterile lancet contained in the box.
2) Obtain a big drop of blood by squeezing the finger and collect it with the plastic pipette.
3) Put the drop of blood on the indicated point on the device.
4) Add the diluent, wait for 5 minutes and read the result.
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When should I use the Iron-FER Test?
The Iron-FER test helps to identify the measurement of the ferritin level in the blood and is the most accurate test to diagnose iron-deficiency anaemia.
If you find yourself in the iron-deficient state, you do not receive enough oxygenated blood, so you will feel very tired, exhausted and breathless enough to have some difficulty in carrying out your normal daily activities until you get to more serious pathological conditions. Checking the level of ferritin in the blood is an excellent way to check the iron stock in the body and consequently, to promptly identify a possible state of iron deficiency anaemia. In the case of a positive result, you can contact your primary care physician to adopt the most suitable therapeutic solution."
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Common questions asked to a Doctor:
What does an iron deficiency mean?
What happens if your iron levels are too low?
How does your Iron levels affect your thyroid activity?
How can I raise my iron levels quickly?"
