stopping iron supplements before blood tests

[Pennypingu]

should iron supplements be stopped before FBC and Ferritin blood tests? If so how long before? Have always fasted but first time being tested after starting supplement. Thanks .

[helvella Administrator]

For all tests, make sure you are adequately hydrated. And avoid any supplements containing biotin in the days before the blood draw.

My iron document includes this quote regarding ferritin:

Test Preparation

The test should ideally be administered in the morning avoiding all iron-containing supplements and foods at least 24 hours prior to blood draw. The usual care about ensuring avoidance of biotin also applies.

jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/j...

Full Blood Count (FBC)

Test Preparation Needed?

None

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

helvella - Iron Document

This is a summary of what I have read up and found out about iron supplements over the past few years. I am not in any way medically trained. You are strongly encouraged to check every detail before making any decisions for yourself.

Last updated 23/12/2024

Link to blog:

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

[Pennypingu in reply to helvella]

thank you, I do follow protocol for thyroid tests but wasn’t sure about iron supplements before testing FBC, ferritin.

[FallingInReverse in reply to Pennypingu]

5-7 days no iron supplements prior to iron panel.

Avoid all iron rich foods the day before as well.

Be consistent.