Not only hemoglobin
Iron deficiency begins long before anemia - the “hidden” stage is caught by ferritin while hemoglobin is still normal. Serum iron fluctuates during the day and with food, so it is measured in the morning on an empty stomach and is not assessed alone. The complete iron profile (Fe+ferritin+transferrin) accurately answers: deficiency, overload or anemia of chronic diseases.
When is it appointed?
- arrhythmias, cramps, muscle weakness - potassium, magnesium, calcium;
- taking diuretics and heart medications - potassium control;
- kidney stones - calcium, phosphorus, magnesium in search of the cause;
- anemia - iron, transferrin, ferritin;
- hair loss, skin, immunity - zinc.
Mineral balance
Electrolytes control heart rhythm, muscle and nerve function; their shifts are dangerous and often medicinal (diuretics, laxatives). For urology, a mineral panel is part of the metabolic diagnosis of urolithiasis: calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the blood and urine explain why stones grow and make it possible to prescribe relapse prevention instead of endless operations.
