Iron (Fe) Lab Values

Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of iron levels in clinical practice   Lab Test Name: Iron – Fe   Description: Measures the amount of Fe in the bloodstream.  Evaluates:  Sufficient Fe level  oxygen transport  proper hemoglobin & RBC production Iron (Fe) is an element that is an important component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Iron aids hemoglobin’s transport of oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body.  The storage form of iron is ferritin. Iron is transported in the blood by a protein called transferrin.   Indications: Identify: Blood loss Hemochromatosis Malabsorption of iron Iron overload Type of anemia: Thalassemia Sideroblastic anemia Iron deficient anemia   Normal Therapeutic Values: Normal –  50-175 μg/dL Collection: plasma separator tube   What would cause increased levels: What would cause Increased Levels of Iron? Hemochromatosis Lead toxicity Iron poisoning Acute liver disease Multiple blood transfusions Hemolytic anemia Sideroblastic anemia   What would cause decreased levels: What would cause Decreased Levels of Iron? Blood Loss: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding Heavy menstruation Chronic hematuria Hypothyroidism Iron-deficiency anemia Inadequate absorption of iron