Iron Test

The Iron Test aids in the evaluation of a number of conditions involving red blood cell production and destruction, iron metabolism, or iron transport. The iron blood test measures the amount of iron in the blood. Iron is a mineral that is needed by your body for the production of hemoglobin, energy, and maintaining proper muscle and organ function.

Typically iron is absorbed as a nutrient during digestion. When iron levels are too low, an individual is considered anemic. Iron deficient anemia causes weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and sometimes chest pain, headaches, aching legs and breath shortness. An overabundance of iron can lead to joint point, weakness, stomach or chest pain, and fatigue.

Iron metal poisoning can cause the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Jaundice
• Hepatic/Liver failure

In cases of low or abnormal CBC Test results, the iron test may be ordered if the hemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels are deficient.