Iron Deficiency Tests & Diagnosis
What are the Tests to Diagnose Iron Deficiency?
Since iron helps your red blood cells do their job, your doctor will probably first want to check your blood to look for telltale signs you’re not getting enough iron.
Checking your blood
There are two common blood screening tests—though neither one shows how much iron is in your blood:
- A hemoglobin (pronounced he-mo-glo-bin) test measures the amount of this protein in your blood.
- A hematocrit (pronounced he-mat-o-crit) test measures the percentage of your blood volume that is made up by red blood cells.
Other blood tests may be used as well. Your doctor may also order other tests to check to see if you have any signs of internal bleeding.
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