Iron Profile Blood Test

Iron

What it shows: How much iron is in your bloodstream right now.
Why it matters: Low levels may mean you’re not getting enough iron or not absorbing it properly. High levels can happen after supplements or in certain conditions.

Ferritin

What it shows: How much iron your body has stored for future use.
Why it matters: This is usually the best way to check your overall iron levels. However, ferritin can also go up if you’re unwell or have inflammation, so it’s helpful to look at it alongside other markers.

TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)

What it shows: How much iron your blood can carry.
Why it matters: A higher TIBC often means your body is trying to grab more iron—usually a sign of low iron. A low TIBC might be due to illness or having too much iron.

Transferrin

What it shows: The protein that transports iron around your body.
Why it matters: If your body doesn’t have enough transferrin, it might not be moving iron efficiently—even if you have enough iron.

Transferrin Saturation

What it shows: How much of the transferrin in your blood is actually carrying iron.
Why it matters: A low percentage suggests you don’t have enough iron available. A high percentage could be a sign of iron overload.

CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

What it shows: Whether there’s inflammation or infection in your body.
Why it matters: Inflammation can falsely raise ferritin levels, so we use CRP to help us interpret your results more accurately.

FBC (Full Blood Count)

What it shows: The size, number, and health of your red and white blood cells.
Why it matters: Iron is essential for making red blood cells. If you’re low on iron, this test can help confirm whether it’s affecting your blood and causing symptoms like tiredness or shortness of breath.

Liver Function Test (LFTs)

What it shows: How well your liver is working.
Why it matters in the context of iron: The liver helps store iron and produce proteins that carry it around your body. Liver issues can affect how iron is processed. Also, some rare conditions that cause iron overload (like haemochromatosis) can damage the liver.

TCU (Total Circulating Urea) (often measured as part of kidney function tests)

What it shows: Waste products in your blood filtered by your kidneys.
Why it matters: Iron deficiency and chronic illness can affect kidney function and vice versa. Urea levels help give a fuller picture of your general health when looking at fatigue or anaemia.

Chloride

What it shows: An important electrolyte that helps balance fluids and acid-base levels in your body.
Why it matters: While not directly linked to iron, electrolyte imbalances can affect energy levels, hydration, and how your body handles nutrients like iron.

Potassium

What it shows: A key mineral that supports nerve and muscle function, including your heart.
Why it matters: Low potassium levels can worsen fatigue—something also caused by low iron—so it’s useful to rule this out as a contributing factor to your symptoms.

Sodium

What it shows: Another major electrolyte involved in hydration, blood pressure, and nerve function.
Why it matters: Abnormal sodium levels can mimic or worsen tiredness, light-headedness, or general weakness—similar to iron deficiency symptoms.