What is Suresign Iron Deficiency (Ferritin)?
This Suresign Iron Deficiency (Ferritin) test works by taking a small sample of your blood to measure the concentration of ferritin in your blood, enabling you to see whether you’re at risk of an iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is a common type of anaemia, more common if you’re pregnant, have heavy periods, or you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. This easy-to-use test provides you with results you can trust in as little as 5 minutes.
How to use this product
Before use, wash and dry your hands thoroughly and allow the pouch to reach room temperature before opening. Then, remove the cassette and carefully remove and dispose the cap of the lancet. Use the alcohol pad provided to clean the fingertip of the middle or ring finger. Press the lancet against the fingertip and massage the end of the finger to obtain a drop of blood.
Without squeezing the capillary dropper bulb, put it in contact with the blood. The blood will migrate into the dropper through the capillary to the line indicated. If the line is not reached, you may need to obtain more blood. Put the collected blood into the sample well of the cassette by squeezing the dropper bulb.
After the blood has been fully dispensed into the well, unscrew the cap of the buffer bottle and add 1 drop of buffer into the sample well. Wait for the coloured lines to appear and read the results within 5 minutes. Do not interpret the results after 10 minutes as they may not be accurate.
Reading the results is simple. If two lines appear, it means the ferritin concentration in your blood is normal and there is no potential iron deficiency. If one line appears in the C section, it could mean that the ferritin concentration in your blood is too low. You should contact your GP as this may be a sign of an iron deficiency. If one line appears in the T section, it means that results are invalid.
What are the symptoms of an iron deficiency?
An iron deficiency is a common type of anaemia, meaning your blood has too few healthy red blood cells. These red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, helping them to function as they should. When you don’t have enough iron in your body, the red blood cells can’t produce enough of a substance to enable the cells to carry oxygen. Thus, you might experience shortness of breath, tiredness, weakness, pale skin, headaches or lightheadedness, cold hands and feet, and brittle nails.
Who is more likely to have an iron deficiency?
Most people are able to get enough iron from diet alone, but some people who might not be getting enough iron may benefit from taking an iron supplement. If you’re pregnant, have heavy periods, follow a vegetarian or vegan diet or have a blood disorder, you may need to take an iron supplement to ensure you’re getting the correct amount your body needs.
Storage information
Store between 2-30°C in a dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.
