Iron Profile (Iron, Ferritin, Transferrin Saturation) (fingerstick)
Combination of iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation; iron status.
Fingerstick at home – no collection point needed
How it works
- 01
Receive your fingerstick kit
You receive a fingerstick kit with clear instructions
- 02
Prick & collect
Easily collect a few drops of blood yourself
- 03
Mail back
Return via medical mail to the lab
What is the Iron Profile?
The Iron Profile is a comprehensive blood test that measures three key biomarkers: serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation. This test evaluates the amount of iron circulating in your blood, your body’s iron storage capacity, and how efficiently your blood transports iron. Together, these markers provide a complete picture of your iron metabolism.
- Serum Iron: Measures the amount of iron currently circulating in your blood.
- Ferritin: Reflects the iron stored in your body, indicating long-term iron reserves.
- Transferrin Saturation: Assesses how efficiently iron is transported in your blood (calculated from serum iron and transferrin values).
Why should you have the Iron Profile tested?
Testing your iron profile is useful for several reasons. It can help diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload, which may be caused by dietary issues, internal bleeding, or other health conditions. It is particularly important for people who feel fatigued, menstruating women, pregnant women, vegetarians, or vegans.
- Identify iron deficiency: Helps detect low iron levels that can lead to anemia.
- Detect iron overload: Can indicate conditions like hemochromatosis or liver disease.
- Monitor treatment: Tracks the effectiveness of iron supplementation or therapy.
- Support overall health: Ensures adequate iron for energy, immune function, and oxygen transport.
What do the results indicate?
The Iron Profile gives insight into your body’s iron status and helps determine the cause of abnormal iron levels. Patterns in the biomarkers can indicate deficiency, overload, or inflammation:
- Normal values: All three markers within the normal range indicate a healthy iron balance.
- Iron deficiency pattern: Low serum iron, low transferrin saturation (<20%), low ferritin (<15 μg/L).
- Iron overload pattern: High serum iron, high transferrin saturation (>45%), high ferritin.
- Inflammation or chronic disease: Normal/low serum iron, low transferrin saturation, normal/high ferritin.
What does a high iron level mean?
High iron levels may indicate hemochromatosis (excessive iron absorption from diet), liver disease, certain types of anemia, or recent iron supplementation. It suggests that monitoring or intervention may be necessary.
What does a low iron level mean?
Low iron levels usually indicate iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. Causes may include poor diet, internal bleeding, or increased iron demand (such as during pregnancy).
Strong scientific evidence
This test is included in Dutch healthcare guidelines and is regularly used for its respective indications.
Rationale for this test
Dit ijzerprofiel combineert drie standaard-bepalingen (serumijzer, ferritine, transferrinesaturatie) die in Nederlandse zorgrichtlijnen worden gebruikt voor het beoordelen van de ijzerstatus. De combinatie van deze markers geeft een compleet beeld van ijzertekort, ijzeroverschot en ijzerstofwisselingsstoornissen. De klinische betekenis is goed onderbouwd.
Sources consulted
Dutch clinical guidelines and healthcare organisations
International scientific literature
Independent information sources
We recommend consulting these independent sources before ordering a preventive health check.
- Client brochure PGO (NVvPG, September 2023)
Brochure on preventive health checks: careful choice, reliability, pros and cons, checklist.
- RIVM — Health tests
Independent information about preventive health checks from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
- Thuisarts.nl
Reliable patient information about illnesses and complaints from Dutch GPs (NHG).
- Allesovertesten.nl (NVKC)
Public-facing website of the Dutch Society for Clinical Chemistry with explanations of blood tests and laboratory values.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to what people usually want to know.
See fingerstick instructionsFull instructions with visual guidanceHow does the fingerstick test work from A to Z?
After ordering we ship the collection kit to your home. You prick your fingertip, collect a few drops of blood, return it in the envelope, and receive your result digitally by email.
How do I collect my blood sample?
A small prick on your fingertip lets you collect a few drops into a tube. The instructions include step-by-step photos and video, so no guessing required.
When and how do I receive my result?
Usually 2 to 5 working days after the lab receives your sample. You get an email with a link to your digital result, including explanation per value.
What if the collection doesn't work?
Some people find the fingerstick tricky at first. Warm your hands, hang your arm down, and prick the side of the fingertip for better blood flow. If it still doesn't work, get in touch.
How do I return my sample to the lab?
In the included return envelope with free medical shipping. Drop it in the mailbox; the lab processes your sample as soon as it arrives. For some tests it's important to send it the same day — the instructions make this clear.
What if I have questions or something doesn't work?
Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, email or phone. We're happy to help you before, during or after your test. If the collection doesn't work, we'll arrange a solution or send new materials — no hassle.
Didn't find what you're looking for? Request a custom test
Client experiences
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My experience was very positive. I needed to pass several very specific tests. They provide 24/7 customer support. They were friendly and prompt.
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“Amazing service!”
Received a packet with everything needed, went to a walk in clinic (Amsterdam DC Clinic) where my blood was drawn and I was out the door within 5 minutes, and then after posting the samples, received results 2 days later. Results were easy to understand as well. Amazing service, would highly recommend!