Iron is an essential mineral present in the hemoglobin, a protein molecule of blood. Without iron (in sufficient quantities) you would not be energetic or your vital organs may not function properly. It is the red blood cells or RBC that makes up hemoglobin of blood. It goes without saying that iron is required in proper levels in our blood for us to stay healthy.
Majority of iron content of the body is present in hemoglobin of RBC. Further it is also found in other proteins like ferritin of bone marrow and some of the body tissues. RBC do not live permanently they die and get replenished by fresh ones. After the death of RBC iron content gets deposited in the bone marrow and some organs like liver/spleen. Gradually bone marrow produces new RBC’s for which iron is supplied from the liver.
Iron is found naturally in food particles like leafy greens, meat and eggs. Women who are pregnant and those who are in the stage of puberty need more iron than normal adult. Even breastfeeding mothers need more iron in their blood than normal women. When compared with men, women are at increased risk of losing iron fast due to vaginal bleeding and other factors. Hence it is necessary to check the iron levels in blood regularly to prevent anemia and its effects.
Need For Iron Test :
You can know if you are anemic and you can also know whether you are healthy in the scale of nutrition by checking the iron level in your blood. You can also find out whether iron is getting properly metabolized in the body.
Any Preparation ?
You need not have to prepare anything for doing iron test. But the levels of iron can change throughout the day and is often the highest in the morning. So if you are planning to go for blood test it is wise to do in the morning. Testing for iron requires drawing blood sample. The nurse or lab technician would wrap a strong elastic band in your upper arm. Then she would look for a clear vein and clean the site before putting a needle into the vein, for drawing required amount of blood. After the procedure, she would gently remove the band and place a cotton ball on the site of piercing. You would feel nothing more than a small injection during the process.
Is There Any Risk ?