Description Iron-FER Test WHAT IS THE IRON-FER TEST FOR? The Iron-FER Test detects the concentration of ferritin in blood, in order to define a possible iron deficiency in body. Several clinical studies have shown that the determination of ferritin levels in blood can be used as an aid in the diagnosis of an iron deficiency anaemia. A decrease can be also caused by pregnancy, tuberculosis, haemorrhages and alterations in iron uptake. WHAT IS FERRITIN? Ferritin is a protein that allows the storage of iron inside cells and releases it in case of need, making it quickly usable by the body. This protein is present in all cells, particularly in those of the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Iron is an essential metal for our bodies and is crucial for transporting oxygen in blood. Verifying the levels of ferritin in blood means evaluating the iron stores in the body. In a state of iron deficiency, reserves are reduced before the anaemia manifestly manifests itself: the level of ferritin is therefore useful for determining a depletion of iron stores. WHO DOES USE THE IRON-FER TEST? The Iron-FER Test can be easily used at home from puberty, around 15 years, because before normal levels are higher than the decision value of the cut-off level of this test. The Iron-FER Test is recommended for all those who have a healthy and balanced life and, above all, for pregnant women: during pregnancy the need for iron is double and a deficiency in this stage of development can lead to complications at the brain of the foetus. HOW DOES THE IRON-FER TEST WORK? The Iron-FER Test is an immunochromatographic assay which detects the protein ferritin in blood thanks to special monoclonal gold-conjugate antibodies embedded to test strip. This device can detects a lower ferritin level, or higher, than 20 ng / mL, in accordance with the international guidelines. Results in just 10 minutes. WHEN SHOULD I DO THE IRON-FER TEST? If you find yourself in iron deficiency you do not receive enough oxygenated blood, so you will feel very tired, exhausted and breathless enough to have some difficulty in carrying out your normal daily activities, until you get to much more serious pathological conditions. Checking the level of ferritin in blood is an excellent way to check the iron stock in body and, consequently, to promptly identify a possible state of iron deficiency anaemia. In case of a positive result you can contact your primary care physician to adopt the most suitable therapeutic solution.
