What is this test?
This test includes Ferritin and Iron levels.
Iron is an essential trace element that, among other functions, is needed in small quantities to help form normal red blood cells (RBCs). It forms a critical part of haemoglobin, the protein in your RBCs that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it as the blood circulates to other parts of the body.
The body cannot produce iron and must take it up from the foods we eat or from supplements. Low levels of circulating and stored iron can lead to “iron deficiency anaemia”. Conversely, too much iron (iron overload) can be toxic to the body. Tight regulation of your iron balance in the body is therefore essential to avoid both low iron and excess iron levels. Iron can be found in dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, in meat, fish and tofu, and in liver, eggs, beans, and whole grains such as brown rice.
Iron is stored inside cells in a protein called ferritin. When the body needs to make new red blood cells the iron stored in ferritin is released into the blood stream and transported to the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Your blood ferritin levels reflect the total amount of iron stored in the body. In iron deficiency anaemia, ferritin levels are usually low.
To learn more about this test click here.
Preparing for this test
Choose and purchase your test online
Print your request form
Visit any of our collection centres to have your test
Receive your results
FAQs
Yes, you can request any of the test listed on our website without a medical referral if you are aged 16 years or over. For any medical advice regarding these tests, please consult your health provider
We will email your results to you. Results sent by email are password protected. Your password will be emailed to you.Use the password to open the file emailed to you. Your results will be emailed to you and in most cases will be available within 7 days.
No, but we may seek your authorisation to do so if your results are significantly abnormal.
We only offer a defined range of tests for self-requests. For all other tests, please see your healthcare provider to order a test for you. They will be able to determine its clinical relevance to your specific situation.
You need to consult your healthcare provider if you require interpretive advice. Learn more about understanding your results here >
You can also book a virtual consult with a New Zealand registered GP through The Doctors Online. Learn more here >
MyTests is a service provided by Awanui and its New Zealand-wide laboratory network. Your blood sample and information stay in New Zealand.
Awanui Labs has laboratories in Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington (including Hutt Valley and Porirua), Nelson/Marlborough, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Dunedin, Otago region and Invercargill.
Our laboratories hold accreditation against ISO 15189:2012 as a medical testing laboratory service.
Each test is priced differently depending on what type of test it is. All tests also require a collection fee to collect the sample, or to provide you a sample collection container. This fee is charged once at the final checkout stage.
Most blood tests don’t require any special preparation.
Some tests require an appointment or simple advance preparation. If special preparation is required, for example, fasting before your test, it will be included on the information specific to the test.
If you require support to interpret results, or need a diagnosis, we recommend you seek advice from a registered healthcare provider. We cannot provide a copy of your result report to anyone other than you. If you wish to share this report with your healthcare provider, you will need to forward this on directly to them. There may be a charge for any follow up appointments with your healthcare provider.
Find a collection centre
Visit any of our 150 collection centres located throughout New Zealand.
You don’t need to book in to receive your test, but in specific locations you are able to make a booking to ensure you’re seen at the time you arrive.
