The LetsGetChecked Iron Test is a simple finger prick test which can help determine if you're at risk of iron deficiency anemia or iron overload by identifying your iron blood levels from the comfort of your own home. Once you've taken the test, your online results will be available within 5 days.
The Pharmacist or experienced team member takes a finger prick of your blood and puts it onto a test strip to measure the amount of haemoglobin in your blood. There are iron reference ranges that your pharmacist can discuss with you for both adult males and adult females.
See your GP if you experience symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, such as tiredness, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. A simple blood test can usually confirm the diagnosis. Your GP may also carry out a physical examination and ask you a number of questions to help determine the cause of your anaemia.
Iron levels are often tested using the finger-prick method. This test is faster and less expensive than the tests a doctor may do by drawing blood from a vein. A clinic or blood donation location will prick your finger to draw a few drops of blood, which are then used to measure the hemoglobin level.
In many cases, mild iron deficiency anemia comes on so gradually that you may not even know you're anemic. Symptoms of mild anemia are subtle and include feeling grumpy, weak or tired more often than usual and getting headaches or perhaps having problems concentrating.
In a world in which there's an app for just about everything, now there's one for the non-invasive screening of anemia. A research team in the US has found that a smartphone image of your fingernail beds can provide enough information for reliably measuring hemoglobin in your blood.
What do fingernails look like with anemia? If a person has anemia, their nails may be pale or spoon-shaped.
Normal results for iron are: 70 to 175 mcg/dL for men. 50 to 170 mcg/dL for women. 50 to 120 mcg/dL for children.
You may also find that low iron causes weight gain. There are a couple of reasons for this; firstly, your energy levels are low and so your exercise levels reduce; secondly, iron is essential for thyroid function, and an underactive thyroid will lead to weight gain.
People with mild or moderate iron-deficiency anemia may not have any symptoms. More serious iron-deficiency anemia may cause common symptoms of anemia, such as tiredness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Symptoms can include: tiredness and lack of energy. shortness of breath. noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
The thumb has a pulse and is likely to bleed excessively. The index finger can be calloused or sensitive and the little finger does not have enough tissue to prevent hitting the bone with the lancet.
Ferritin blood test, which measures how much iron is stored in the body.
While fingerstick is an excellent option, there are a few things you should know about its drawbacks. Even though it's comparable, the fingerstick method can be slightly less accurate (national guidelines allow for a variance of +/- 8.9% for cholesterol) than a venipuncture blood draw.
Extreme fatigue and exhaustion “Fatigue is one of the most common signs of iron deficiency because it means your body is having trouble carrying the oxygen to your cells so it's affecting your energy levels,” Thayer says. People lacking enough iron in their blood often feel sluggish, weak, and unable to focus.
Common causes of iron deficiency include not getting enough iron in your diet, chronic blood loss, pregnancy and vigorous exercise. Some people become iron deficient if they are unable to absorb iron.
Specifically, iron plays an important role in how your body makes the neurotransmitters called serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine – all of them important in mental health. Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write.
You can treat iron deficiency anemia by taking iron supplements. Most people take 150 to 200 milligrams each day, but your doctor will recommend a dose based on your iron levels. Taking vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron.
The short answer is yes. This can be for both medical and lifestyle reasons. For example, if you are trying to improve your iron intake through diet and the consumption of iron-rich foods, this is likely to lead to an increase in healthy meals, which can contribute to weight loss.
Pale Nails
White nails, also known as leukonychia, describes fingernails that are partially or completely white in color. The white color could be the result of several things such as trauma, anemia, dietary deficiencies, heart or kidney disease, or even poisoning.
You have odd cravings for things that aren't food
While researchers are still trying to figure out why, people with severe iron deficiencies often crave non-food items like dirt, clay, cornstarch, paint chips, cardboard, and cleaning supplies, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.