Which test from the pharmacy?

In addition to the common online iron deficiency tests, special products from the pharmacy can also help to identify iron deficiency as such. Persons, who assume to suffer from iron deficiency, ask themselves with the abundance at offers however frequently, which test from the pharmacy can be used most simply. Usually it can be assumed that an iron deficiency test, which can be purchased in the pharmacy, can make an adequate statement about whether a deficiency is present.

If the test result is positive, however, a doctor should still be consulted and a conventional blood test performed. The answer to the question of which test from the pharmacy is the best depends on the person concerned. Above all, an iron deficiency test, in which the iron content of the blood can be detected with a small prick in the fingertip, similar to the conventional blood sugar tests, is often used.

Before using an iron deficiency test from the pharmacy, the fingertip must be cleaned with a disinfectant solution. Afterwards, the prick in the fingertip can be made with the lancet belonging to the test. The first drops of blood must be wiped with a clean cloth and must not be used for the iron deficiency test from the pharmacy.

Afterwards, the collection tube included in the sample package must be placed on the finger and left there until the test tube is completely filled (observe markings). After blood collection, the sample can be sealed and sent to the appropriate laboratory. Also for this iron deficiency test from the pharmacy, care must be taken that the sample is not stored too warm and is sent to the laboratory immediately after collection. Otherwise, the values to be checked may change and make it impossible to make an adequate statement about the possible presence of iron deficiency.

How reliable is the test?

Since the iron deficiency test from the pharmacy is not carried out by the family doctor, many users wonder how reliable the test is at all. In general, one can assume that an iron deficiency test from the pharmacy can also make a reliable statement about whether iron deficiency is present. If the test result is positive, a doctor should nevertheless be consulted and another blood test should be carried out.

The reason for this is the fact that possible application errors can falsify the exact iron content in the blood. Although a statement can be made regarding a possible iron deficiency, the exact nature of this iron deficiency may be falsified. In addition, if an iron deficiency test is carried out in a pharmacy, it must be noted that the sample is only so-called capillary blood. In the case of an iron deficiency test, which is carried out for example by the family doctor, a venous blood sample is taken. The iron content can vary, even if only slightly, between capillary and venous blood.