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Iron bloodwork
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 2:16 pm
by 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
Re: Iron bloodwork
Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 2:31 pm
by 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.
Re: Iron bloodwork
Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2021 12:40 pm
by lhoff12085
Thanks much...!
Re: Iron bloodwork
Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:50 pm
by 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.
Re: Iron bloodwork
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 9:23 pm
by Oozz
Oozz wrote: ↑Sat Oct 23, 2021 9:50 pm
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.