Iron testing - some things that interfere with accuracy - FYI

[Guest guest]

found this on a page about iron testing (for anemia, or hemochromatosis):

Factors that falsely elevate TS values: Vitamin C, dietary supplements

containing iron, medicinal iron, estrogen preparations. Patients should be

advised to avoid these products for 24 hours prior to the fasting blood draw.

* The placebos in some oral contraceptive packages may contain iron and also

should be avoided for 24 hours prior to the fasting blood draw.

* Colds, inflammation, liver disease and malignancies can falsely lower

transferrin saturation values. Pathologic blood loss or a history of frequent

blood donations should be considered reasons for normal iron status in patients

who have symptoms consistent with chemochromatosis.

Note: Patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can exhibit normal transferrin

saturation, but may exhibit elevated serum ferritin.