If you have been feeling constantly tired, noticing more hair in the brush, or looking paler than usual, your doctor in Ottawa may suggest checking your iron. A ferritin and iron studies blood test is one of the most common ways to find out whether low iron is behind your symptoms, and, less often, whether your body is storing too much. Here is what these tests measure and how to get them done locally.
What ferritin and iron studies measure
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, so a ferritin test estimates how much iron your body has in reserve. Iron studies usually add a few related measurements:
- Serum iron, the amount of iron circulating in your blood right now
- TIBC (total iron-binding capacity), how much capacity your blood has to carry iron
- Transferrin saturation, the percentage of that capacity actually filled with iron
Together these give a fuller picture than any single number. Ferritin reflects your stores; transferrin saturation reflects supply and demand. Your provider reads them as a group rather than one at a time.
Signs your iron may be low
Low iron, and the iron-deficiency anemia it can lead to, is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms often build slowly:
- Persistent fatigue or low energy, even after rest
- Hair thinning or increased shedding
- Pale skin, inner eyelids, or gums
- Shortness of breath or a racing heart with mild exertion
- Brittle nails, headaches, or unusual cravings for ice
Common causes include heavy menstrual periods, pregnancy, a diet low in iron, blood loss from the gut, or trouble absorbing iron. If ongoing tiredness is your main concern, the full test directory can help you see what bloodwork your provider might order to get to the bottom of it.
Why ferritin can be high
A high ferritin result is not always about iron overload. Ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant, meaning it rises with inflammation. Causes of elevated ferritin include:
- Infection or inflammation anywhere in the body
- Liver conditions or heavy alcohol use
- Chronic diseases and some cancers
- Genuine iron overload, such as hereditary hemochromatosis
Because inflammation can push ferritin up even when iron stores are normal, your provider often looks at transferrin saturation and other tests before concluding that you have too much iron.
Who usually gets tested
Iron testing is common for people with unexplained fatigue, those who menstruate heavily, pregnant patients, blood donors, vegetarians and vegans, and anyone being followed for anemia or a condition like hemochromatosis. In Ontario a physician, nurse practitioner, or midwife needs to sign the requisition, as you cannot self-order most iron tests. OHIP covers medically necessary iron studies for people with a valid Ontario health card.
Do you need to fast?
For most iron and ferritin testing, fasting is not required and you can eat and drink normally. Some providers do ask for a morning sample or a short fast for iron studies, because serum iron naturally varies through the day and can be affected by a recent iron-rich meal or supplement. Always follow what your requisition says; our prepare-for-a-blood-test guide explains how to get ready.
Getting your iron checked at Bio-Test
You can have iron and ferritin testing done at any Bio-Test Laboratory location across Ottawa-Carleton and Eastern Ontario. Walk in with your Ontario health card and signed requisition, with no appointment needed for routine bloodwork. Mornings are busiest with fasting patients, so arrive early or later in the day if you prefer a shorter wait. Find your nearest of our 11 locations, book through the patient portal, or ask about a home visit if getting to the lab is difficult.