Iron Deficiency Plus Test

About this test

Key Benefits

• Comprehensive analysis of iron status using five key markers

• Identifies both iron deficiency and iron overload

• Provides insight into iron storage, transport, and utilization

• Supports evaluation of symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, and low concentration

• Simple at-home blood test, no clinic visit required

About the Test

This test measures:

• Iron: The amount of circulating iron in the blood

• Ferritin: Reflects iron stores and long-term iron levels

• Transferrin: A protein responsible for iron transport

• TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity): Indicates the blood’s ability to bind iron

• Transferrin Saturation: Shows how much transferrin is actually bound to iron

Measuring these markers together provides a more accurate picture than iron alone, as iron levels can fluctuate throughout the day and may appear normal even when stores are low.

This combined analysis helps determine whether your body has sufficient iron reserves, how efficiently iron is being transported, and whether there are signs of deficiency or excess.

Symptoms of Iron Imbalance

Iron deficiency may cause:
Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, hair loss, shortness of breath, and reduced concentration

Iron overload may cause:
Joint pain, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and in more severe cases organ strain if left untreated

Who Should Consider This Test?

This test may be useful if you:

• Experience symptoms of iron deficiency

• Have heavy menstrual cycles

• Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy

• Practice endurance sports

• Have conditions affecting nutrient absorption

It is also relevant for individuals at risk of iron overload, such as those with hemochromatosis.

How It Works & Sample Collection

Order your kit online, collect a finger-prick blood sample (DBS) at home, and send it back using the prepaid envelope. For best accuracy, the sample should be taken in the morning while fasting. Your digital results are provided once the analysis is complete.

ISO-Certified Lab and Analysis

Your sample is analyzed in an ISO-certified laboratory using Electro Chemiluminescence (ECLIA), immunoturbidimetric testing, colorimetric methods, and calculated values based on iron and transferrin results, ensuring high precision, accuracy, and reliable results.

Biomarkers included

• Transferrin Saturation: Transferrin saturation is a measure that reflects the percentage of transferrin — a blood protein that transports iron — that is actually bound to iron. It helps assess how effectively iron is being carried and utilized in the body. This marker is useful for identifying iron deficiency or iron overload, and is typically calculated using serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Low levels
• Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a blood test that reflects the blood's capacity to bind and transport iron through transferrin — the main iron-carrying protein. It provides an indirect measure of available transferrin and is commonly used alongside other iron tests to help assess iron deficiency, anemia, or iron overload conditions.
• Iron: Iron is an essential mineral critical for oxygen transport, energy production, and cellular function throughout the body. It is a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscles, enabling oxygen delivery to tissues. Iron also plays vital roles in DNA synthesis, immune function, and cognitive development. Measuring iron levels helps diagnose anemia, assess nutritional status
• Transferrin: Transferrin is a blood protein responsible for binding and transporting iron throughout the body. It plays a key role in maintaining iron balance by delivering iron to tissues and storing excess iron in a safe form. Levels of transferrin typically rise when iron stores are low and decrease when iron stores are high or in cases of chronic illness. Measuring transferrin helps provide important insig
• Ferritin: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside cells and serves as a key indicator of the body’s iron reserves. Measuring ferritin helps assess iron status: low ferritin is commonly associated with depleted iron stores and iron deficiency. Elevated ferritin can occur with iron overload, but it may also rise in response to inflammation, infection, liver disease, or other chronic conditions because f

How to prepare

You take the test on an empty stomach in the morning. **24 hours before:** Avoid alcohol, caffeine, intense exercise, and smoking.

Frequently asked questions

How does it work? / When do I get my results?

1. Order and receive your kit. 2. Perform the test. 3. Send a sample at the beginning of the week (to avoid delays). 4. Results digitally in 10–15 business days.

Do I need to fast before taking the Iron Deficiency Plus test?

It is highly recommended to take this test in the morning while fasting. Avoid taking iron supplements for at least 24 hours before collecting your sample, as this can artificially inflate your serum iron results.

How is this different from a standard iron test?

While a standard test often only measures serum iron, the Plus version includes Ferritin (stores), Transferrin (transport), and TIBC (capacity). This is crucial because your serum iron can look normal even if your storage levels (Ferritin) are dangerously low.

What are the symptoms of low iron?

Common signs include chronic exhaustion, pale skin, cold hands and feet, dizziness, brittle nails, and unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances like ice (pica). Testing is the only way to confirm if these symptoms are related to iron levels.

Customer reviews

4.8/5 (6)

• 5/5 — Clear instructions and the finger prick was easier than I expected.
• 5/5 — Finally found out why I’ve been so tired lately! This test is way more detailed than what my GP usually orders.
• 4/5 — Simple to use and results were easy to read.
• 5/5 — Easy to follow instructions and simple finger prick.
• 5/5 — Happy with the service.
• 5/5 — Fast delivery and it's much more convenient than booking a GP appointment just for a blood draw.