Newfoundland Iron Deficiency Test

The Iron Deficiency Test is a finger-prick blood test that measures the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside your cells.

Your body needs iron to make healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells contain a substance called haemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body. Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow and organ function.

Anaemia is caused by lack of haemoglobin. Iron deficiency is caused by lack of iron. Iron deficiency with anaemia is caused by both a lack of iron and a lack of haemoglobin.

The following individuals are at greater risk of having or developing iron deficiency:

• People who are underweight
• People who experience heavy menstrual bleeding
• People who are pregnant
• People who have issues with food absorption, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease or who have had certain gastrointestinal surgical procedures