What is an Iron Profile Test Report?

An Iron Profile Test is a group of blood tests used to assess the levels of iron and related substances in your blood, which play a crucial role in determining how well your body is managing iron. This test helps in diagnosing conditions like iron deficiency anemia, iron overload disorders (such as hemochromatosis), and other related issues.

The Iron Profile Test usually includes the following key components:

An Iron Profile Test Report provides:

• A comprehensive analysis of iron levels in the body.
• Helping diagnose conditions such as anemia.
• Iron deficiency.
• Iron overload.

This test is crucial for evaluating overall health, particularly in unexplained fatigue, weakness, or irregular red blood cell production.

Key Components of an Iron Profile Test

The Iron Profile Test typically includes the following parameters:

1. Serum Iron:

• What it is: This measures the amount of iron circulating in your blood. Iron is carried by transferrin, a protein in your blood, and is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
• Normal Range:
  • For men: 65–175 µg/dL
  • For women: 50–170 µg/dL
• Interpretation: Low serum iron levels could indicate iron deficiency anemia, while elevated levels might suggest conditions like iron overload or hematochromatosis.

2. Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC):

• What it is: TIBC measures the blood’s ability to bind iron with transferrin, a protein that carries iron in your bloodstream. A high TIBC typically indicates low iron levels, whereas a low TIBC can suggest sufficient iron stores.
• Normal Range: 240–450 µg/dL
• Interpretation: High TIBC is often seen in iron deficiency anemia, while low TIBC may be associated with iron overload disorders or chronic diseases.

3. Transferrin Saturation (TS):

• What it is: This measures the percentage of transferrin (the protein that carries iron) that is saturated with iron. It gives a better understanding of iron availability in your body.
• Normal Range: 20–50%
• Interpretation: Low transferrin saturation could indicate iron deficiency anemia, while high saturation might suggest iron overload.

4. Ferritin:

• What it is: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Measuring ferritin levels helps assess the total amount of stored iron.
• Normal Range:
  • For men: 20–500 ng/mL
  • For women: 20–200 ng/mL
• Interpretation: Low ferritin levels are typically seen in iron deficiency anemia, while high ferritin can indicate iron overload, chronic inflammation, or liver disease.

Normal Range of Iron Profile Parameters

Summary of Conditions Diagnosed Through Iron Profile:

• Iron Deficiency Anemia: Low serum iron, low ferritin, high TIBC, and low transferrin saturation.
• Iron Overload (Hemochromatosis): High serum iron, low TIBC, high transferrin saturation, and elevated ferritin levels.
• Chronic Disease or Inflammation: Normal or high ferritin, normal or low TIBC, with low serum iron.

An Iron Profile Test is an important tool for diagnosing and managing various conditions related to iron metabolism. Abnormal results can help doctors tailor the right treatment, such as iron supplements for deficiency or medications to manage iron overload.