HOME ANAEMIA TEST

Why do I need this anemia test?

Anaemia is a common and potentially dangerous condition of the blood brought about when the body does not produce enough red blood cells. You should do this test if you think you may be anemic. The following are common symptoms of anemia:

• You feel tired most of the time.
• You look pale.
• You don’t have as much energy as you used to.
• Your nails break easily.
• Dizziness
• You feel the cold all the time.
• You find you are short of breath.
• Your ankles tend to swell up.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

What is anemia?

Anaemia is a reduced level of hemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin, (contained in the red blood cells) obtains oxygen from the lungs and carries it to all the body's cells. Here it is used as fuel in the metabolism of sugar and fat to produce energy, so, when the level of oxygen in the blood is reduced, tiredness and other symptoms of anemia result. To produce red blood cells, the body needs (among other things) iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. If there is a lack of one or more of these ingredients, anemia will develop.

What symptoms does anemia cause?

The first symptoms will be:

• Tiredness and poor concentration.
• Palpitations (awareness of the heartbeat).
• Shortness of breath and dizziness.

If anemia is severe, angina (chest pain), headaches and leg pains can occur.

How accurate is this test?

Comparison between methods showed the anemia meter has an accuracy of over 96% and is more than 97% specific for identifying anemia as identified by a low hemoglobin level. Both the accuracy and specificity of the anemia meter compare favorably with laboratory-based tests.

Before you start the test:

Contents:

1 sealed aluminum pouch containing:

• 1 device for the test,
• 1 pipette and desiccant,
• 1 dropper vial containing 1 ml of diluent,
• 1 painless sterile lancet for blood sampling,
• instructions for use.

How is this test carried out

The Iron Test – FER is a rapid immunodiagnostic test for the assessment of ferritin (a protein capable of storing iron in cells) from a finger prick whole blood sample. Therefore the Test can be used for the screening of potential iron deficiency. The cut-off is calibrated at 20 ng/mL according to the international standard.

The sample is a blood drop taken with the painless sterile lancet contained in the box.

Obtain a drop of blood by squeezing the finger and use the capillary tube to collect the blood.

Put the drop of blood on the indicated point on the device.

Add the diluent, wait for 10 minutes and read the result.

Test Results

	Negative Result Two colored lines appear in the window under the marks T (Test) and C (Control). The intensity of the line T may be clearer than the intensity of the line C. This result means that the ferritin concentration in blood is normal and that there is no potential iron deficiency.
	Positive Result Only one colored line appears under the C mark (Control). This result means that the ferritin concentration in blood is too low. Reserves are insufficient. You should consult a doctor because it may be an iron deficiency.
	NON-Valid Result No line appears or a colored line appears under the mark T (Test) without any line under the mark C (Control). In this case, it is not possible to interpret the test, which must be considered as nonvalid. It is recommended to repeat the test with a new test device and a new blood sample.

How does the Iron test work?
Ferritin is a protein and the primary form of iron stored inside cells. A positive result means that the ferritin concentration in blood is lower than 20 ng/mL and a possible iron deficiency.

When should the test be used?
The Iron Test – FER can be performed in case of symptoms like paleness, feeling tired, headaches, faster heartbeat or shortness of breath during exercise; mainly, if a woman, when pregnant or in case of copious periods.
The test can be performed any time of the day but must not be performed in case of disease, acute inflammations or in case of spleen or liver injury. Positive results can be obtained even in case of no iron deficiency situation.

Can the results be incorrect?
The results are accurate as far as the instructions are carefully respected.
Nevertheless, the result can be incorrect if the test gets wet before test performing or if the quantity of blood dispensed in the sample well is not sufficient, or if the number of diluent drops is less than 4 or more than 5.
The plastic pipette provided in the box allows making sure the collected blood volume is correct.

How to Interpret the test if the color and the intensity of the lines are different?
The color and intensity of the lines have no importance for result interpretation. The lines should only be homogeneous and clearly visible. The test should be considered as positive whatever the color intensity of the test line is.

What is the line that appears under the Mark C (Control) for?
When this line appears, it only means that the test was performing well.

If I read the result after 15 minutes, will the result be reliable?
No. The result should be read within 10 minutes after adding the diluent. The result is reliable up to 15 minutes.

What do I have to do if the result is positive?
If the result is positive, it means that the ferritin level is lower than the norm (20 ng/mL) and that you should consult the doctor to show the test result. Then, the doctor will decide whether additional analysis should be performed.

What do I have to do if the result is negative?
If the result is negative, it means that the ferritin level is higher than 20 ng/mL and is the norm. However, if the symptoms persist, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

What is the accuracy of the Iron Test?
The Ferritin test is very accurate and has been used for more than 10 years by professionals in the field. Evaluation reports show an overall agreement of at least 98% with reference methods.