Al Borg Diagnostics
What is Iron Store?
Iron in red blood cells is crucial for transporting oxygen from the lungs to all cells in the body. Without sufficient iron, cells won’t receive adequate oxygen. In our upcoming article, we will provide a clear and detailed about the iron store: (1)
What is Iron Store?
The iron in the blood is not the same as that stored in the body. “Iron Store” is medically known as ferritin, the protein that stores iron and releases it into the blood when needed. Thus, we have concisely answered the question, “What is iron Store?”.
Regarding the location of ferritin protein, it is mostly found inside cells with low amounts in the blood. It is worth mentioning that the highest concentrations of ferritin are usually found in liver cells and immune system cells. (2)(3)
The Importance of Iron Store
You may wonder how the body consumes iron stored in cells; it is consumed when the body needs to produce more red blood cells. This process involves sending nerve signals to the cells to release ferritin into the blood, which binds to another protein called transferrin, which transports iron to sites where red blood cells are produced.
Therefore, individuals must have a standard iron Store to ensure the proper functioning of the body. (2)
Normal Levels of Iron Store
The normal levels of iron Store are as follows: (4)
Age Group | Normal Iron Store Levels Unit (nanograms per milliliter) |
---|---|
Newborns | 25 - 200 |
One month old | 200 - 600 |
2 - 5 months | 50 - 200 |
Six months - 15 years | 7 - 140 |
Adult males | 24 - 336 |
Adult females | 24 - 307 |
Iron Store Test
We will provide important information about the iron Store test: (5)(1)
When is the test performed?
Typically, the doctor requests an iron Store test when there is a possibility of anemia, one of the main reasons doctors order the test.
However, the test may also be performed in other cases, such as restless leg syndrome and Still’s disease, which happen early in adults.
How is the test conducted?
The test does not require following specific instructions or avoiding certain things beforehand. It is an easy and quick procedure that involves the following steps:
- The laboratory technician asks you to roll up your sleeves.
- They apply a flexible elastic band around the upper part of your arm to facilitate access to the vein from which blood will be drawn.
- They sterilize and clean the skin.
- A thin needle is inserted into the arm vein, and a small amount of blood is drawn.
- The technician removes the band and gently withdraws the needle.
- They apply gentle pressure to the site with a cotton ball or bandage to stop bleeding.
- The blood sample is sent to the laboratory.
Test Results
We provided the normal levels of iron Store for different age groups. However, these levels may not be considered normal. For more details, see the following: (6)
- Low iron Store levels: This is associated with anemia caused by iron deficiency, blood loss through the digestive system, or poor iron absorption. It is usually accompanied by pale skin color, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat.
- High iron Store levels: This can occur due to hemochromatosis, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancers, overactive thyroid gland, obesity, liver diseases, and other conditions. Symptoms of this condition may include joint pain, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, body hair loss, fatigue, and decreased libido.
You can visit any of Al-Borg Diagnostics branches to undergo an iron Store test, choose what suits you from the Anemia Care package, and obtain further tests and analyses by a qualified and trained medical team.
References:
- https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=ferritin_blood
- https://www.healthline.com/health/ferritin#ferritin
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ferritin-blood-test
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/ferritin-blood-test
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ferritin-blood-test