Description
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and one of the most common reversible causes of fatigue.
What this test measures
Ferritin (your iron stores), serum iron, transferrin and transferrin saturation.
Who it is for
- Persistent tiredness, breathlessness on exertion, or unusual pallor
- Heavy periods
- Hair shedding
- Restless legs at night
- Vegan or vegetarian diets
Preparing for your test
Take your sample in the morning if you can, before iron supplements. Serum iron varies considerably through the day.
Worth knowing
Ferritin rises with inflammation and infection, so it can read normal or high even when stores are genuinely low. If you have been recently unwell, mention it — it changes how the result should be read.
Iron deficiency is a finding, not a diagnosis. In some people it points to blood loss that needs investigating, which is why the result comes with a GP’s interpretation rather than a number alone.
What happens next
Once the laboratory reports, a GP registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your result alongside the information you gave us and explains what it means in plain English. GP review is included in the price — we do not release raw numbers without interpretation.
Important limitations
This is a screening test, not a diagnosis. A result in range does not rule out every cause of a symptom, and a result out of range does not by itself confirm a condition. If you feel unwell, see a doctor in person regardless of what this test shows. This service is not for emergencies — call 112 or 999 if you are seriously unwell.
