Measuring total iron involves assessing the amount of iron in your blood and related factors to understand your iron levels and how your body transports and stores iron. Several tests contribute to this assessment.
Here's a breakdown of the key tests used to measure total iron:
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Serum Iron Test: This directly measures the amount of iron circulating in your blood.
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Transferrin Test: This measures the level of transferrin, a protein responsible for transporting iron throughout the body. Transferrin levels can indicate how well your body is able to move iron.
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Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): This test determines how well iron attaches to transferrin and other proteins in your blood. TIBC reflects the blood's capacity to bind iron. A high TIBC often indicates iron deficiency.
These tests are often used together to provide a comprehensive picture of your iron status. For example, results are often interpreted together as follows:
| Test | Measures | Information Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Iron | Amount of iron in the blood | Indicates the current iron level in circulation. |
| Transferrin | Level of transferrin protein | Reflects the body's capacity to transport iron. |
| Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) | How well iron binds to transferrin and other proteins | Shows the blood's ability to carry iron; can help identify iron deficiency. |
