Fingerstick
Iron Profile (Iron, Ferritin, Transferrin Saturation) (fingerstick)
Combination of iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation; iron status.
How would you like to take the test?
The analyses are the same. Choose between collecting your sample at home or having blood drawn at a collection point.
Fingerstick at homeCollect and return it yourselfBlood draw at a collection pointBook after ordering
€ 35,00
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).
- IJzer
- Ferritine
- Transferrinesaturatie
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.
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
How 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 receive your laboratory report securely by email. It lists the measured values, units, reference ranges and any flags added by the laboratory.
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 the collection materials to the lab?
Use the supplied return envelope and place it in the letter-mail bag inside a PostNL service point yourself as soon as possible. Do not hand it to counter staff or request track & trace. The instructions supplied with your test state when it must be sent.
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.
“Very positive experience”
From ordering to having my blood drawn, everything went smoothly and was well organised. I really appreciated being able to visit a blood collection location in my own town so quickly. I received clear instructions beforehand, and the results arrived promptly by email too. Very satisfied!
ElineVerified
“Good communication”
This company responds to questions thoroughly and promptly. The entire process, from requesting the test to having blood drawn and receiving the results, runs very smoothly. Overall, I am very satisfied!
Jacques QuipèreVerified
“Wide choice of tests, fast and affordable”
You can choose the tests yourself. Fast delivery and processing, clear instructions and affordable.
SMVerified
“I am satisfied with the service”
I received a referral by email, just like from a GP. I did not have to send anything by post and could quickly visit a local blood collection centre. The results were fast and clear. The price was good, not too expensive, and all messages were secure.
kraljicaVerified
“A very good experience”
A very good experience! I received quick answers to my questions, a custom blood test was put together, everything was arranged smoothly, and I could have my blood drawn by a healthcare professional nearby. The results were available within a few days. In short, very satisfied!
PhilVerified
“Very good customer service”
The customer service is very good. I had a complex request, which caused an issue at the blood collection centre. Customer service resolved it very well. They also offer a wide range of tests at a reasonable price.
Marc EekhoutVerified
“Everything was well organised”
Everything was well organised. The products were delivered within a few days and, after sending in the samples, the results arrived within a few days too. Communication and information throughout the process were clear and friendly.
martijnVerified
“Fantastic service”
Fantastic service! Very good customer service that responds quickly and thinks along with you. Good prices. I will definitely use BloedCheckup's services again.
kambalesVerified
“Very happy to have found this business”
Very happy to have found this business. We need to check our blood more often :) The process was easy. They sent me the kit at home, then I had to go to a clinic with the papers and they knew what they had to do. I got the results in less than a week.
DenisaVerified
“Smooth process and good support”
Amazing website experience. I ordered various tests for 2 people. We went to one of the supported centers and took samples. Also after the results were ready, I needed a letter from the laboratory and they prepared the letter for me in no time. Definitely recommended.
Majid HajiheidariVerified
“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!
Trudi CoetzeeVerified
“Great customer service”
I ordered a test through bloedcheckup.nl but later realized I no longer needed it. I contacted their support team, and they were very quick, responsive, and helpful in handling my cancellation. The whole process was smooth and efficient. Great customer service!
Elif Göksu BecerikVerified