Iron bloodwork

[lhoff12085]

My iron levels were low so my doctor wants me retested in 3 months. He said I don't need to fast for the tests. I thought I heard Dr Early at the Summit say that we always need to fast before an iron blood test. I also can't recall what he called iron...something meaning it is easily impacted by food, a cold, etc. Does anyone know the words? Thanks....Laura

[stjohnh]

The most common "iron" blood test done is the ferritin level. And yes, the test is somewhat more accurate if you are fasting, but the difference is not a lot, and most labs don't actually require you to be fasting for the ferritin test.

[lhoff12085]

Thanks much...!

[Oozz]

I think that you should fast. From my understanding, ferritin is incredibly sensitive; even coffee can raise your readings. I’m a patient of Dr. earley and he recommends that I eat nothing and drink only water for at least 12 hours prior to the test. He also told me not to eat a meat heavy meal for dinner the night before.

[Oozz]

I think that you should fast. From my understanding, ferritin is incredibly sensitive; even coffee can raise your readings. I’m a patient ofd he recommends that I eat nothing and drink only water for at least 12 hours prior to the test. He also told me not to eat a meat heavy meal for dinner the night before.