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Serum Iron Test

Serum Iron Test

The main aim of the iron-serum test is to examine the iron present in the blood. Iron is a significant component of the blood. It is the iron that carries the oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Excess of iron or deficiency of it will have unhealthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells practices.

Doctors order for an iron serum test if there is an abnormal result in the CBC test showing decreased haemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Doctors may also prescribe for the test if the patient complains of fatigue, dizziness, weakness, headaches, pallor, shortness of breath, chest pain; leg pains the reason of which could be the deficiency of iron. Children are often seen eating chalk, clay, dirt or liquorice; this indicates that iron is deficient.

The test is a blood sample test. There is no much preparation needed as such. However, the patient may be asked to fast at least 12 hours before the test. Water can be permissible but not food. Besides, it is essential for the doctor to know if there has been any recent consumption of iron-rich food or medicines. It is also advisable that consumption of alcohol, drugs containing estrogen may show adverse effects on the result. Similarly, stress and appropriate sleep can show low levels of iron in the body.

The test enables the doctors to know more about-

  • Iron deficiency present in a patient.
  • Diagnosis of Hemochromatosis.
  • To monitor a patient with chronic illness.
  • Aids in treatment for Hemolytic Anemia, Sideroblastic Anemia.
  • To check if there has been a case of iron poisoning.

The blood sample collection method is known as venipuncture. The following procedure is followed-

  • A phlebotomist ties the belt on the upper portion of the arm. This helps to get the sight of the vein brighter and more abundant.
  • The vein area is then cleaned with an alcohol pad.
  • A new needle is unwrapped in front of the patient.
  • The needle is attached to a pre-labelled patient's name tube.
  • When the needle is injected into the vein, the blood is collected in the tube.
  • The belt is loosened.
  • The collected blood is sent to the laboratory for examination.

Serum (preferred) or plasma (lithium heparin only). EDTA plasma causes decreased results.
1 mL
Gel-barrier tube, transport tube, or green-top (heparin) tube; do not use EDTA or oxalate anticoagulants..
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Serum Iron
All age groups
65 - 176 microgram/dl
Serum Iron
All age groups
50 - 170 microgram/dl
Average price range of the test is between Rs.85 to Rs.800 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.
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Popular Questions & Answers

I am 21 years old. I waa using minoxidil 10% ,all my hair have become dry and are falling off. I suffering from hair fall. I had left it in between for 1 month can continue using it now.

Homeopath, Chandigarh
Dear Lybrate user Hair loss is a problem that many people suffer from. There can be several factors behind hair loss such as environmental effects, aging, too much stress, excessive smoking, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, genetic factors, scalp infections, use of wrong or chemically enriched hair products, certain medicines and medical conditions like thyroid disorder, autoimmune diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), iron-deficiency anemia, and chronic illnesses. If you r interested to take homeo and naturopathy treatment call back for details peivatekt.

My mom's iron 15 and hemoglobin 6.9 and Ra factor 739 what should I do please tell me.

DHMS (Hons.)
Homeopath, Patna
Hello, Her haemoglobin level is below than the normal with raised RA factor causing join pain with fatigue. She needs to take plenty of water to hydrate her body to eliminate toxins. Tk, apples, spinach, pomegranate, milk to raise haemoglobin level. Go for meditation to reduce her stress and to add plenty of Oxygen to Iron to raise Hb% reducing RA factor. Her diet be regular, easily digestible on time to check gastric disorder. Tk, homoeopathic medicine:@ Ferrum met 30-6 pills, thrice. Avoid, junk food. Tk, care.

I am 3 months pregnant and not feeling anything yet so when I feel IT please advise and which supplement I can take apart from folic acid.

DNB, Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MBBS
Gynaecologist, Delhi
I am 3 months pregnant and not feeling anything yet so when I feel IT please advise and which supplement I can take a...
Hi lybrate-user, In first pregnancy, you can feel the baby's movements at around 5-6 months, that too as a flicker/flutter type. You should have a high protein diet. You may take protein powder supplements with milk once a day. Iron and calcium tablets will be started in 4th month of pregnancy.
2 people found this helpful

Dr. my mother has got high microalbumin 972/mg and now the creatinine is 1.6 and blood urea is 47. Hdl n ldl is just up to the mark but triglycerides are very high 572. If she takes the medicine calcigard retard then she has her ankle swelling also. She is taking it without any break. Please guide how she can lower both her albumin and triglycerides. She got bp. But its under control 135/80. Please help to lower both the things.

Cardiologist, Ghaziabad
Micro albumin urea and high serum creatinine suggest the onset of nephropathy which is kidney dysfunction which might be a complication of chronic high blood pressure you also have high triglycerides so I am assuming your cholesterol and LDL might as well be little hai but you are already taking medications for them as well as for Hypertension so what you need is to understand the concept of hypertension and high cholesterol and try and keep them strictly under control with regular monitoring and keeping a record also you need to check out the risk factors like diabetes prediabetes and environmental factors like dust and smoking if any. Many factors can affect blood pressure, including: 1) The amount of water and salt you have in your body 2) The condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels 3) Your hormone levels You are more likely to be told your blood pressure is too high as you get older. This is because your blood vessels become stiffer as you age. When that happens, your blood pressure goes up. High blood pressure increases your chance of having a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, or early death. My advice to you would be 1) Keep a BP daily record for at least one week 2) Basic tests should be one to rule out latent cardiac issues and signs of other complications 3) unless any recent evaluation has been done I would advice these test ECG ECHO TMT Lipid profile TSH Fundoscopy Usg KUB high LDL high cholesterol put you on a higher risk of atherosclerotic diseases and heart attacks especially if you have other is factors including hypertension diabetes or a history of smoking so I would advise you to start taking statins which are cholesterol medications the doors of which depends upon your cholesterol levels also you need to start changing your dietary habits and include a regular physical exercise at least 45 minutes a day 5 days a week into your schedule nonetheless you have to stop taking fatty and junk food good luck.
3 people found this helpful

Popular Health Tips

How Supplements Are Beneficial To Improve Your Sexual Life?

Sexologist, Mumbai
How Supplements Are Beneficial To Improve Your Sexual Life?

Supplements are just a way to add vital nutrients in your daily nutritional intake, but are not the only solution. First of all, it is important to note that your sex life does not depend on supplements. Various other factors can both positively and negatively affect your sex life. Exercise, weight and medications you take can have both adverse and positive effects. Try to improve your sex life by altering these aspects before you use supplements. Nevertheless, here are some supplements which may be beneficial for your sex life.

  1. Iron: Iron is used to boost the libido of women. The libido comprises the arousal, desire as well as the ability to have an orgasm. However, too much iron is not good for you. Over 20 mg can cause stomach problems and constipation while over 60 mg is life threatening.
  2. Niacin: There are two types of cholesterol in your body. One is a good cholesterol, while the other is a bad cholesterol. Niacin is a type of B vitamin, which raises your good cholesterol level. Men who have high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction tend to see improvements in their symptoms by taking 1500 mg of niacin for 12 weeks.
  3. Yohimbine: This is a type of herbal supplement only used for men. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction and should only be used on men. However, it is worth note that high blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches and dizziness are all caused by yohimbine. Therefore, it should be used with care only when the doctor prescribes it.
  4. Panax ginseng: This is one of those rare drugs, which raises sexual desire in women and also corrects erectile dysfunction in men. It is worth mentioning that Panax ginseng also causes insomnia. Insomnia is one of the side effects of this medication along with diarrhea and painful periods for women. 
  5. Maca: This is a type of Peruvian root vegetable. It primarily helps women who are taking antidepressants and have lost their sex drive as a result. It can also be tried safely as it is a type of food as well and therefore, it is not as dangerous as some of the other supplements on this list. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Sexologist.
5463 people found this helpful

Liver Problems - How they Can be Treated with Homeopathic Remedies?

Homeopath, Faridabad

Liver is a very important organ of your body. It is also the largest internal organ. Liver plays a pivotal role in food digestion, iron metabolism, regulation of blood clotting and removal of toxins from your body. Liver problems refer to the disruption of liver functions. There are various liver problems and diseases that you may encounter. Some of the liver problems are as follows:

  1. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E
  2. Liver cirrhosis.
  3. Fatty liver
  4. Liver cancer
  5. Wilson disease
  6. Jaundice

The most common causes of the above mentioned liver problems are

  1. Fatty liver is generally caused due to obesity
  2. Hepatitis A, B, C is caused due to viral infections
  3. Consuming excess alcohol can cause liver cancer
  4. Liver diseases like Wilson disease is caused due to genetic problems

Different liver problems have different symptoms. But there are some common symptoms for all liver diseases. The most common symptoms are mentioned below

  1. Body fatigue
  2. Pain in the abdomen
  3. Change in urine and stool color
  4. Nausea
  5. Queasiness
  6. Loss of weight and appetite
  7. Yellowish discoloration of skin, eyes and nails.

Homeopathy can treat liver problems very effectively. The following are some of the solutions offered by homeopathy for different liver problems
1. If you are suffering from the problem of fatty liver, your doctor may recommend you medicines like Lycopodium, Phosphorus, Nux vomica
2. If you suffer from the problem of liver enlargement then your doctor may recommend you medicines like Carduus Marianus
3. Chionanthus and Taraxacum are medicines advised for liver problems like jaundice
4. Natrum sulphuricum may be recommended to you if you are suffering from problems like Liver cirrhosis
Homeopathic treatment for liver problems is very effective since it treats the medical condition according to specific symptoms. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Homeopath.

2 people found this helpful

Anemia (Low Haemoglobin)

Cardiologist, Ghaziabad
Anemia (Low Haemoglobin)



Conditions that may lead to anemia include



1 person found this helpful

Health Benefits Of Ghee!

Dietitian/Nutritionist, Mumbai
Health Benefits Of Ghee!

Ghee has lost its glory. In-spite of being a saturated fat, ghee has shown to reduce both serum and intestinal cholesterol by triggering secretion of billiard lipids.
 Reasons to consume ghee in your diet:
1. Ghee is also called as clarified butter. It’s short chain fatty acid structure imparts lipolysis properties which helps in breaking down the fat itself.
2. It’s antibacterial and antiviral properties makes it a perfect immune booster.
3. It has that anti ageing and anti wrinkle effect that even the costliest of cosmetic product can’t have
4. Since ancient times, ayurveda considers ghee to promote learning and memory retention
5. Excellent for joint health as ghee gives lubrication and strength to them
6. Ghee is an excellent laxative as it lubricates the intestines. Have a spoonful of ghee in warm water for easy bowel movement.

6 people found this helpful

Foods That Increase Low Platelet Count!

General Physician, Gurgaon
Foods That Increase Low Platelet Count!

1. Anar (Pomegranate): It is rich in iron and also contains vitamins. This fruit help to combat increasing platelet reduction with regular consumption & vitamins keep your energy levels steady.

2. Milk : It it has high calcium which helps to regenerate the platelet. Calcium content with vitamin K and milk protein “Fibrinogen” increases the Platelet count and improves the blood;s ability to form the clot. Calcium Deficiency can lead to your body much longer time in forming clot .

3. Folate Rich Food : Folate or B9 is essential for healthy cell division in the body. Sever deficiency of   folate in body can result reduction in Blood Platelet. Daily intake of Folate is 400 mg is required. When platelet count is low it’s consumption increases the platelet count. Food rich in Folate are Asparagus, Orange juice,Spinach and fortified cereals.

4. Lean Proteins: Lean proteins food are excellent source of Zinc and Vitamin 12 which are essential to reverse the effects of thombocytopenia. In case of reduced platelet count take food like soyabean, spinach (Palak), blackbeans, cow’s milk, white of egg, Oatmeal, Fish and white meat chicken.

5. Papaya: Extract of leaf of papaya is excellent for overall blood production and increases the platelet count (Prepare extract of leaves by boiling leaves in medium heat for 15 minutes with water and wait till the water simms down to half ). Take leaf extract 2tsf twice daily.

6. Cod Liver Oil and Flax Seed Oil: These oils strengthen the Immune system many autoimmune disorders are cause of thrombocytopenia or low platelet count. These oils reduce the inflammation of in the body and improve the blood circulation throughout the body.

7. Vitamin A Rich Food: Vitamin A is essential for healthy platelet production, it also plays role in formation of Protein in body which helps in the process of cell division and growth. Carrot, Pumpkin, Kale and Sweet Potatoes (Sakarkandi).

8. Chlorophyll from Wheat grass: Wheat grass juice contains 70% of chlorophyll (The Plant Haemoglobin) have strong effect in overall blood production and increases the platelet count. Take ½ cup per day.

9. Vitamin K Rich Food: Vitamin K keeps cell growth at optimum level in the body. Life of platelets is only 10 days which is to be compensated continually to maintain te lost amount in the body, hence high calorie food for ideal production of blood platelets and vitamin K is one of the ingredient available in Eggs, Green leafy vegetables, Kale, Frozen Spinach, Mustard Greens Broccoli & Liver.

10. Macrobiotic Diet: To combat Thrombocytopenia in patients an vital anti inflammatory diet is recommended by Platelet Disorder Association which help in optimum blood production e.g. Whole grains, vegetables and organic beans is recommended while animal protein is to be avoided except Fish Yogurt & cheese.

7 people found this helpful