Contents
Iron is a necessary vitamin to create healthy red blood cells. It is an essential component of haemoglobin, the substance found in the red blood cells that allows oxygen to be absorbed in the lungs and discharged when blood flows to various body regions. If you have excess iron, it is recommended by the physician to undergo an iron overload test.
What Does Iron Overload Test Mean?
This test determines if you possess a high amount of iron in your blood. The percentage of iron in the blood fluctuates every day. Hence, it is frequently assessed in conjunction with other iron testing, including Total Iron Binding Capacity, transferrin saturation, and ferritin. Testing may also be done to distinguish between different causes of anaemia.
A medical practitioner will place a needle into a vein in your arm and get a little blood sample to conduct the test. After that, the specimen will be examined at a facility. Your doctor may instruct you to fast starting at midnight the day before the surgery. Moreover, since your iron levels are high, this test is best performed in the morning.
When Should You Be Tested?
When the iron overload is indicated, an iron overload test may be conducted. The medical signs will differ between individuals and may aggravate at any time. They are linked to higher iron levels in the blood and tissues. These might include:
- Joint discomfort
- Abdominal discomfort
- Weakness
- Energy deficiency
- Loss of sexual desire
- Liver and heart damage
- Fatigue
If you experience any of the mentioned signs and indications, consult your doctor immediately. Also, ask if you are eligible for conducting an iron overload test.
What Does Iron Test Result Mean?
Iron poisoning is likely if the level of iron is very high. Iron toxicity happens when a substantial quantity of iron is eaten in a short period of time. Too much iron in children is usually severe and it occurs when youngsters consume their families’ iron tablets. Also, chronic iron toxicity may be lethal in such cases.
On the other hand, inheritable hemochromatosis is caused by abnormalities in the HFE gene. Although several individuals with hemochromatosis may exhibit no indications for the rest of their lives, some will begin to have joint discomfort, stomach pain, and fatigue in their 30s or 40s. Also, men are impacted more frequently than women since they lose blood via menstruation throughout their childbearing life.
Moreover, iron excess takes place in persons with hemosiderosis or individuals who had many blood transfusions. This might develop if you suffer in sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia major, or another kind of transfusion-dependent anaemia. Iron from a given blood unit remains in the body, ultimately producing a significant tissue accumulation. In addition, too much iron occurs in certain persons who are alcoholics or have acute liver disease.
Conclusion
Excess iron in the body, if left untreated, may lead to a variety of complications, including death. That is why, before it happens, it is essential to have an iron overload test performed.
