Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

What are the specific iron tests that need to be done including their names and initials? Also, what are the target results for each in regards to RLS?

The main test we would say everyone should have done is your Ferritin Serum level which is not done as part of normal blood work. The ''normal' level can be anything from 20+. An RLS sufferer should aim to have their Ferritin Serum at up near 100 so when you get the result of this test you should ask for the number, don't accept being told that it is 'normal'. One of the most common causes of restless leg syndrome is low iron in the brain. This can be estimated, to a fair degree, through ferritin level testing in the blood. Low levels of ferritin indicate a state of iron deficiency.

The other three iron tests that are done are usually called out as an iron panel (ferritin is extra). The iron panel includes total serum iron (hemaglobin) 50-170 ug/dL for women, Transferrin saturation 15-50% for women and TIBC (total iron binding capacity) 250-370 ug/dL. For RLS, ferritin numbers should be over 75 and better yet, over 100. And these tests should be done while fasting and you should not have had an iron rich meal (like lots of beef) the night before and you should refrain from taking oral iron for 3 or 4 days before if you don't want to increase the results too much.

Thank you. When I scan the results list, I see the following: iron level, % iron sat, TIBC, and transferrin. Would the ferritin be called something else or abbreviated? Is the iron level the same as the total serum iron (hemoglobin)?

If you don't see ferritin listed, the test was probably not performed. Ferritin must specifically be requested by your doctor. If your doctor just asks for an iron test, you get the tests that you listed.