An Iron Overload Profile blood test is designed to evaluate iron levels in the body and identify conditions like iron overload, also known as hemochromatosis. Iron overload can lead to damage in various organs, including the liver, heart, and pancreas, if not properly managed. This test panel measures different markers to assess how much iron is stored and how well the body is utilizing it.

Key Tests in an Iron Overload Profile:

  1. Serum Iron:
    • Measures the amount of iron circulating in the blood. High serum iron levels may indicate iron overload.
  2. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC):
    • This test assesses the blood’s ability to bind iron with transferrin (a protein that transports iron). Elevated TIBC suggests low iron stores, while low TIBC may indicate iron overload.
  3. Transferrin Saturation:
    • This test calculates the percentage of transferrin that is saturated with iron. A higher percentage (usually above 45%) can indicate iron overload or hemochromatosis.
  4. Ferritin:
    • Measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body. Elevated ferritin levels are a key indicator of iron overload, but ferritin can also be increased due to inflammation or liver disease.
  5. Genetic Testing for Hereditary Hemochromatosis :
    • If iron overload is suspected, genetic testing for mutations in the HFE gene (commonly C282Y and H63D) may be done to confirm hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that leads to excessive iron absorption.

Purpose:

The Iron Overload Profile helps diagnose conditions that cause excess iron in the body, such as:

  • Hereditary Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food.
  • Chronic Liver Disease: Can lead to altered iron metabolism.
  • Repeated Blood Transfusions: Often seen in conditions like thalassemia or sickle cell disease, which can result in iron overload.

Why It’s Important:

Left untreated, iron overload can damage vital organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas, leading to conditions like liver cirrhosis, heart disease, diabetes, and joint pain. Early detection through an Iron Overload Profile allows for timely treatment, such as phlebotomy (regular blood removal) or iron chelation therapy, to prevent organ damage.

Results – 3 days from Laboratory receiving sample

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