What is a serum blood test for?

A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. It also measures the amounts of two major groups of proteins in the blood: albumin and globulin.

When should you do a serum test?

A doctor will typically administer a serum albumin test if symptoms of liver disease or other liver problems are present. They may order a test when one or more of the following symptoms are present: unexpected weight loss. swelling around the stomach, eyes, or legs.

Which serum is needed for test?

Serum/Plasma Specimens – Specimen Requirements

Serum/plasma is required for all parasitic disease immunodiagnostic tests. A single sample is usually sufficient; acute and convalescent specimens are not necessary.

What is the normal serum level?

The normal range is 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL (34 to 54 g/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What happens if blood test comes back abnormal?

Blood consists mainly of white and red blood cells and platelets. When these components are within an abnormal range it could signify the presence of various health problems. Abnormal blood counts may indicate an underlying disease, but they are often treatable.

What happens if serum iron is low?

Iron is an essential mineral in the human body, facilitating the creation of red blood cells that help pump oxygen throughout the body. Low iron levels can cause fatigue as well as hinder the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

Can CBC detect viral infection?

A simple and very informative test is the white blood cell “differential”, which is run as part of a Complete Blood Count. The white blood cell “differential” will usually tell you whether you have a bacterial infection or a viral infection.

What is tested in a full blood count?

1. Complete blood count. A routine complete blood count (CBC) checks for levels of 10 different components of every major cell in your blood: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Important components this test measures include red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.

Is serum iron the same as hemoglobin?

Serum ferritin is a measure of iron stores and is the most sensitive biomarker to test for early stages of iron deficiency as well as iron deficiency anemia. Sensitivity of ferritin test is 89% for diagnosis of iron depletion compared with hemoglobin, which is only 26%.

Why is ferritin test done?

Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. A ferritin test helps your doctor understand how much iron your body stores. If a ferritin test reveals that your blood ferritin level is lower than normal, it indicates your body’s iron stores are low and you have iron deficiency. As a result, you could be anemic.

What’s the difference between serum iron and ferritin?

serum iron – measures iron levels in serum; represents iron that is almost completely bound to transferrin; transferrin – measures levels of the iron carrier; total iron binding capacity (TIBC) – measures the transferrin capacity to bind iron; serum ferritin – measures the body’s ability to store iron.

Does serum iron test require fasting?

The serum iron test is a relatively simple test with minimal risk. In preparation, it may be necessary to fast for up to 12 hours before the test and to avoid taking certain other medications during this time.

What are the symptoms of Sideroblastic anemia?

The signs and symptoms of sideroblastic anemia may include: fatigue, weakness, the sensation of a pounding or racing heart (palpitations), shortness of breath, headaches, irritability, and chest pain.

Does serum iron include ferritin?

Serum iron studies typically include measurement of serum ferritin, iron, transferrin or Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), and the calculation of transferrin saturation.

Does CBC check iron?

Iron-deficiency anemia is diagnosed by blood tests that should include a complete blood count (CBC). Additional tests may be ordered to evaluate the levels of serum ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity, and/or transferrin.

What blood test shows if you are anemic?

Complete blood count (CBC).

For anemia, your doctor will likely be interested in the levels of the red blood cells contained in your blood (hematocrit) and the hemoglobin in your blood.

What causes high iron in blood test?

High levels may point to alcohol abuse, infection, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, overactive thyroid, or some types of cancer. Symptoms of high iron levels vary and can include: Exhaustion. Heart problems.

Is hemoglobin an iron?

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin — an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body and to carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to your lungs to be exhaled.

Does stress cause anemia?

Sustained stress is another cause of anaemia. Excessive stress hinders the manufacture of hydrochloric acid in your body, which is very important for the integration of iron and proteins. The deficiency of iron is equal to lack of haemoglobin and thus, anaemia.

Which disease is caused due to lack of iron?

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron.

What is low hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb) is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. A low hemoglobin count is generally defined as less than 13.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (135 grams per liter) of blood for men and less than 12 grams per deciliter (120 grams per liter) for women.

Why does Haemoglobin decrease?

A low hemoglobin count can also be due to blood loss, which can occur because of: Bleeding in your digestive tract, such as from ulcers, cancers or hemorrhoids. Frequent blood donation.