Iron profile test: Price, Purpose, Test List, Normal Range & Results [2024]
The iron profile test is a combination of tests which evaluate iron and its combinations in our body. This usually includes a serum iron test, Transferritin and TIBC tests. Test results will measure the level of Iron mineral in your blood.
It helps to diagnose iron-related disorders like Anaemia, Thalassemia and internal bleeding. Pregnant women are also recommended this test. Iron profile test ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 900 in India.
A Doctor may recommend you for an iron profile test in case of the following symptoms:
- Pale skin
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Pregnancy
- Internal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
Test details in brief
| Also known as | Serum iron profile test, S. Iron profile test. |
| Purpose | Diagnosis of Anaemia, Thalassemia and internal bleeding. |
| Preparation | Avoid consuming iron supplements. |
| Fasting | Fasting 12 hours before the test. |
| Reporting time | 8 to 24 hours |
| Cost | Rs 500 to Rs 900 |
Importance of iron in the body
The mineral iron is essential for producing Red Blood Cells or RBCs(erythrocytes). These RBCs carry oxygen to different tissues and organs of the body. If the iron level is too high or too low, it can cause various health problems.
Tests Included in the iron profile test
Iron profile Test is a single broad term, and it denotes a collection of various multiple iron-related tests. It includes the following tests
- Serum iron test: It indicates the amount of iron in the Serum. The Serum is a slightly thick watery fluid part of the blood.
- Transferrin test: Transferrin is a protein. It transports iron to different body parts. The transferrin test is a measurement of the concentration of the transferrin protein.
- Ferritin blood test: It indicates the amount of iron reserves present in the body.
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC): It measures iron binding to transferrin and other proteins in the blood. TIBC suggest the amount of iron that would appear in blood if all the transferrin is saturated with iron.
- Unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC): It measures the amount of transferrin present in the body that is not attached to iron.
Iron Profile Test Price
Iron profile test price depends on the number of tests included, diagnostic centre and city. Mostly, it will range from Rs 500 to Rs 900. However, a few diagnostic centres may charge up to Rs 1800.
Price at popular diagnostic centres
The table below list the price at some of the popular diagnostic centres in India.
| Diagnostic Lab | Price |
|---|---|
| Dr Lal pathlabs | Rs 550 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 700 |
| Thyrocare Technologies | Rs 500 |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 1200 |
| Suraksha Diagnostics | Rs 550 |
| Aarthi Scans | Rs 850 |
| Suburban Diagnostics | Rs 900 |
Prices in popular cities
The table below lists the city-wise prices. You can click on the city name link to get the list of diagnostic centres in your city along with their prices.
| City | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Iron profile test cost in Delhi | Rs 400 to Rs 800 |
| Iron profile test cost in Hyderabad | Rs 350 to Rs 800 |
| Iron profile test cost in Chandigarh | Rs 200 to Rs 450 |
| Iron profile test cost in Mumbai | Rs 200 to Rs 800 |
| Iron profile test cost in Chennai | Rs 450 to Rs 800 |
| Iron profile test cost in Kolkata | Rs 450 to Rs 500 |
| Iron profile test cost in Bangalore | Rs 250 to Rs 450 |
| Iron profile test cost in Gurgaon | Rs 200 to Rs 900 |
You can click on the links below to get the price in your city
Purpose of Iron profile test
Doctors prescribe Serum Iron profile tests as a part of routine blood profile tests like blood cancer and blood transfusion. It determines the following:
- Amount of iron in the body
- The iron that binds with the protein
- Amount of iron in the body, excluding the iron in red blood cells
When to go for the Iron Profile Test?
An iron profile test is the best way to determine if you have iron deficiency anaemia or another type of anaemia. The healthcare expert recommends it for the following objectives.
- Iron overload due to treatment or medication: Overconsumption of some birth control pills and other iron supplements may cause iron overload.
- Diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia: Anaemia is the haemoglobin deficiency in malnourished children and pregnant women.
- Diagnosis of iron excess (hemochromatosis): It is a rare genetic disorder involving excess iron levels in the body due to the incomplete removal from the body.
- Pregnancy: An iron profile test in pregnancy is very important because it monitors iron deficiency in the mother’s blood.
Procedure
The blood sample can be collected at home, in a clinic/hospital, or diagnostic center. It is similar to normal blood tests.
- A blood sample is collected through vein puncture.
- Blood is collected in a tube and sent for a test.
- You can return to your daily activities after the test.
- The procedure does not involve any risk.
Preparation
- You may be asked to fast for 12 hours before the procedure. You can take water during the fasting period.
- Avoid iron supplements 24 hours before the test.
Some medicines like antibiotics, birth control pills, blood pressure drugs, etc., can affect the test result. Thus, your doctor may suggest avoiding these a few days before the test. Consult your doctor for the same.
Iron Profile Test Result
Normal values of Iron profile test
The table below indicates the normal ranges for tests included in an Iron profile test.
| Test | Unit | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Iron | ug/dL | 65 – 177 |
| Ferritin | ng/mL | 22-322 |
| TIBC (Total Iron binding capacity) | ug/dL | 250-425 |
| Transferrin Saturation | Percentage | 20 – 50% |
The lower level of iron
If the level of one or more iron markers is low, then it may suggest
- Iron deficiency: This condition is also known as anaemia. Anaemia is a disorder indicating abnormally lower blood levels of Iron(Fe).
- Thalassemia: It is a genetic disorder that involves the lesser production of the haemoglobin or Red blood cells in the patient’s body.
- Bleeding in the digestive tract: It is the condition of bleeding from a digestive tract organ like the stomach, liver and pancreas.
- Insufficient iron in the diet: It indicates an iron deficiency in an individual due to low-quality food consumption.
Higher level of iron markers
If one or more iron markers are higher than normal, it may indicate
- Hemochromatosis: It is a rare genetic disorder involving the excess iron levels in the body due to the difficulty of its proper removal from the body.
- Inflammation in the liver: It is the burning sensation in the liver. In this condition, the liver release blood from the injured liver.
- Lead poisoning: It signifies the toxic levels of lead in the blood.
- Frequent blood transfusion: When a patient receives the blood from a donor, the recipient may have increased iron levels in the blood.
Sample Report
The link between diet and iron levels
Iron deficient patients must consume different types of food such as:
Green and leafy vegetables: Green and leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli are beneficial for iron-deficient patients.
Fruits: Fruits like Apples, avocados and mulberry have a large quantity of iron. Their consumption ensures good health.
Nuts like cashews, almonds, and cereals-based bread help increase the iron levels in the body.
Foods that decrease iron absorption in the human body?
Proteins like whey, casein, egg whites, and soy protein decrease iron absorption in humans. Therefore these products are helpful in the treatment of Hemochromatosis.
₹451 ₹500
Iron Profile
Frequently asked questions
The yellowish-green coloured vial is used for the test vial colour.
Non-heme iron is the iron present in the human body unattached to the haemoglobin molecule.
The Doctor may recommend the Iron profile test or the Ferritin test if the patient has a compromised iron level in the blood.
Go to Bookmerilab.com and choose the labs at the cheapest price as per your convenient location. The technician will come to your house for your test.
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.