Private Iron & Ferritin Blood Test
If you have ongoing tiredness, or you have been told your iron levels need checking, an iron and ferritin blood test can give you real information rather than guesswork.
Results in 48 hours No referral needed GMC 7606534
What is an iron & ferritin blood test?
An iron and ferritin blood test looks at two different things: the iron circulating in your blood right now, and ferritin, which indicates how much iron your body has in storage. Together with a full blood count they show whether iron deficiency or anaemia could explain your symptoms. At My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston, results are usually back within 48 hours and explained by Dr Faizal in person.
Iron is needed for many important functions in the body, including making haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body. Ferritin gives the picture of your stored iron, which often falls before anything else looks abnormal.
Results are considered alongside your symptoms, medical history and other relevant blood tests. At My Private Clinic, Dr Faizal Secretary will assess your symptoms and history and advise whether iron and ferritin testing is appropriate for you.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Why might you need an iron & ferritin blood test?
Dr Faizal may recommend checking your iron and ferritin if you have:
- Persistent tiredness, weakness or low energy
- Previous blood tests that raised a question about your iron levels
- Signs that could suggest anaemia, such as pale skin or breathlessness
- Heavy periods, which are a common cause of iron deficiency
- A digestive condition that can affect how you absorb iron
- A medical history that makes checking your iron levels sensible
Tiredness and weakness have many possible causes. A GP can look at the wider picture and decide whether this test is the right starting point, or whether something else should be checked first. See our fatigue and tiredness page for the fuller picture.
What does the test check?
At My Private Clinic this test gives a detailed picture of your iron status and includes:
Full Blood Count (FBC)
Checks haemoglobin and red blood cells, which show whether anaemia is present.
Ferritin
Gives an indication of the iron your body has in storage.
Iron
Measures the iron circulating in your blood at the time of the test.
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Shows how well your blood can transport iron around the body.
Transferrin
The protein that carries iron in the bloodstream.
Transferrin saturation
Shows how much of that carrying capacity is actually being used.
Together these results reveal your iron status and look for signs of iron deficiency or anaemia. Dr Faizal looks at them as a whole and explains what they mean for you.
What is the difference between iron and ferritin?
Iron refers to the iron circulating in your blood at the moment the sample is taken. Ferritin indicates your stored iron. Because stores are used up first, ferritin can be low while circulating iron still looks acceptable, which is one reason both are measured together.
Consulting a GP helps you understand your results alongside the other markers in the panel to build a clearer picture.
How the test is done, and how to prepare
The blood sample
Dr Faizal takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. You may feel a brief pinch as the needle goes in, but the collection itself usually takes only a few minutes.
Preparation
No specific preparation is required and you do not need to fast. If you take any medicines or supplements, particularly iron supplements, tell Dr Faizal before the test so he can advise you.
Your results
The sample goes to an accredited laboratory and results are usually available within 48 hours, then reviewed in the context of your symptoms and history.
What can affect your iron levels?
Iron levels can be affected by a number of things, including not getting enough iron in your diet, losing blood, difficulty absorbing iron from food, or having a greater need for iron at certain times of life.
Heavy periods are a common contributor to iron deficiency, and some digestive conditions can also lead to low iron. If your results show low iron or ferritin, Dr Faizal will discuss this with you and advise whether further investigation is needed.
Why choose My Private Clinic?
A result is far more useful when it is considered in the context of your overall health rather than simply handed over as a number.
GP-led care
Testing is arranged after an appropriate clinical assessment, taking your symptoms and medical history into account.
Clear explanations
Your results are explained in straightforward language, including what they mean and whether further investigation is needed.
Continuity of care
If your results suggest further investigation or a specialist referral, Dr Faizal guides you through the next steps.
How much does an iron & ferritin blood test cost?
Price on application, because the panel is tailored to what is clinically appropriate for you. For the current price, or to discuss whether this test is right for your symptoms, contact My Private Clinic. Consultation fees are listed on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
What blood test shows iron levels?
An iron blood test measures circulating iron, while a ferritin blood test gives an indication of your body’s stored iron. Other markers such as transferrin and TIBC may also be included depending on what is being assessed.
What is the difference between an iron and ferritin blood test?
Iron measures the iron circulating in your blood at the time of the test, while ferritin gives an indication of your stored iron. Looking at both alongside other results helps assess your overall iron status.
Does a blood test show iron deficiency?
Blood tests can provide evidence of iron deficiency, but results need to be considered alongside your symptoms, medical history and other relevant results rather than read in isolation.
What does a ferritin blood test tell you?
A ferritin blood test gives an indication of the amount of iron stored in your body. A low ferritin level can suggest that your iron stores are low, even when other markers still look normal.
Do I need to fast before an iron and ferritin blood test?
No. No specific preparation or fasting is required for this test at My Private Clinic. If you take any medicines or supplements, let Dr Faizal know beforehand so he can advise you.
How long do iron and ferritin blood test results take?
Results are usually available within 48 hours, after which Dr Faizal will review them with you in the context of your symptoms.
How much does an iron and ferritin blood test cost in Preston?
Price is on application, as the panel is tailored to what is clinically appropriate for you. Contact the clinic for the current price, or see the pricing page for consultation fees.
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Discuss your iron levels with Dr Faizal
If you are concerned about your iron or ferritin levels, or have been advised to have them checked, Dr Faizal can help you understand whether testing is appropriate and what your results mean.
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"The doctor didn't make me feel stupid for leaving things. He was straightforward, ran some bloods, and when I needed referring on, the letter was ready before I left the room. No extra charge."
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Address
Fatima Health Centre
228 Garstang Road
Fulwood, Preston
PR2 9QB
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Opening Hours
Mon–Thu 5–8pm
Friday 9am–8pm
Saturday 9am–1pm
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My Private Clinic is based in Fulwood, Preston and sees patients from across Lancashire. Choose your nearest area for travel information and local details.