Iron Deficiency Test Home Check

Iron Deficiency Test – a rapid test for determining ferritin levels in blood from a fingertip sample. The ferritin test is designed to assess the ferritin level in a blood sample taken from the fingertip. A decrease in ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency and anemia. A positive result, indicating a normal level of ferritin in the blood, signifies a normal protein level above 30 ng/mL. A negative result, indicating ferritin deficiency in the blood, means that the protein level is too low, below 30 ng/mL. Anemia is defined as a reduction in hemoglobin levels and/or red blood cell count below the normal range for a given gender and age. The most common form of anemia is iron deficiency anemia, affecting approximately 30% of the population, making it the most widespread deficiency in the world. The amount of iron in the body is controlled by its absorption. We lose iron through skin shedding, physiological (menstrual) and pathological bleeding. Iron deficiency can be related to insufficient intake (poor diet, vegetarianism, malnutrition), reduced absorption (low stomach acidity), increased demand (pregnancy, lactation), chronic loss, and impaired utilization related to iron transport. Ferritin, a protein that stores iron in a form safe for cells, is an indicator of the body's iron reserves. A decrease in ferritin levels indicates iron deficiency. Indications for determining ferritin levels include the diagnosis of anemia, monitoring patients taking iron supplements, and diagnosing liver diseases and certain cancers. Ferritin testing is recommended for high-risk groups: athletes, children, pregnant women, the elderly, vegans, and people with absorption disorders.