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We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
This test is ideal if you're experiencing persistent fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, or frequent headaches that you can't explain. It helps identify iron deficiency anemia, one of the most common causes of constant tiredness and low energy levels. Many people use this test when they suspect their exhaustion isn't just from stress or lack of sleep, but something more measurable in their blood.
You should fast overnight and have your blood drawn in the morning, as iron levels naturally decrease by 30% throughout the day. Avoid eating for at least 8 hours before your test to get the most accurate results. If you're taking high-dose biotin supplements (more than 5 mg per day), wait at least 8 hours after your last dose before testing, as biotin can interfere with certain measurements.
This comprehensive panel measures your serum iron, iron binding capacity, ferritin (your body's iron storage), reticulocyte count (new red blood cells), and a complete blood count with hemoglobin and hematocrit. Together, these markers reveal whether you have enough iron in your blood, if your body is storing iron properly, and if your bone marrow is producing healthy red blood cells. This complete picture helps pinpoint whether iron deficiency is causing your fatigue and identifies how severe the anemia may be.
What this means
Your ferritin level is below the optimal range, indicating your body's iron stores are depleted. Low ferritin is often the first sign of iron deficiency and can explain symptoms like persistent fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating even before you develop full anemia.
Recommended actions
Increase iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, beans, lentils, and dark leafy greens
Pair iron sources with vitamin C foods (citrus, berries, peppers) to boost absorption
Consider an iron supplement after consulting with your doctor about the right dosage
Avoid tea and coffee with meals as they inhibit iron absorption
Retest ferritin in 8-12 weeks after making dietary changes or starting supplements
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