This testing checks how well your blood carries oxygen and whether your iron supply is adequate. It combines a complete blood count with iron studies. Superpower tests your blood for Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Ferritin, Iron, TIBC, and % Saturation. Hemoglobin and hematocrit reflect oxygen-carrying capacity. MCV, MCH, and MCHC show cell size and color (microcytosis, hypochromia). RDW shows size variation. Ferritin reflects iron stores. Iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation show iron transport and availability. Together, these markers detect iron lack early, gauge severity, and help distinguish iron deficiency from other anemia patterns.

It quickly explains fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, headaches, hair loss, or pale skin by showing if oxygen delivery is low (anemia) and if iron shortage is the cause. It can uncover silent blood loss from heavy periods or the gut. It distinguishes true iron deficiency from anemia of inflammation and helps stage deficiency from early low stores to overt anemia. It also provides a baseline and objective way to monitor recovery and repletion over time.

Yes. With Superpower, our team can organize a licensed professional to draw your blood in your home for this panel.

Most people need a baseline panel when symptoms or risk factors appear, and a repeat test to confirm the pattern. If you’re correcting deficiency, recheck in about 4–12 weeks to track ferritin, transferrin saturation, and red cell indices as they normalize. If you have ongoing risk (heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, frequent blood donation, GI conditions, bariatric surgery), periodic monitoring every 6–12 months is reasonable. If results are stable and you have no risk or symptoms, testing is typically infrequent.

Recent blood loss lowers hemoglobin and ferritin. Inflammation or infection can raise ferritin (acute-phase reactant) and lower serum iron, changing the pattern. Hydration status shifts hematocrit. Pregnancy expands plasma volume and increases iron demand. Altitude and smoking raise hemoglobin. Time of day matters; serum iron and transferrin saturation are higher in the morning. Recent iron supplements, transfusions, or IV iron alter iron studies. Intense exercise and acute illness can transiently change results. Liver and kidney disease can affect ferritin and erythropoiesis.

A morning draw is preferred because iron varies during the day. An 8–12 hour fast with water is ideal for consistent iron and transferrin saturation values. If possible, avoid taking oral iron within 24 hours before the draw so results reflect baseline status. Stay well hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise right before testing. Tell us if you’ve had a recent transfusion, infection, or IV iron. Do not stop prescribed medications unless your clinician has advised it.

Yes. Iron balance reflects intake, absorption, and losses. Low dietary iron or impaired absorption can lower ferritin and transferrin saturation. Heavy menstrual bleeding, regular blood donation, or endurance training can increase iron losses and drive anemia. Chronic inflammation can raise ferritin while limiting usable iron, mimicking deficiency. Pregnancy increases iron demand and can unmask low stores. Weight-loss surgery and some gut disorders reduce absorption. When these factors shift, your CBC indices and iron studies move with them.

Early iron deficiency shows low ferritin with normal hemoglobin and indices; transferrin saturation often falls and TIBC rises. Established iron deficiency anemia shows low hemoglobin/hematocrit, low RBC count, small pale cells (low MCV, low MCH/MCHC), and high RDW, with low serum iron, high TIBC, and low % saturation. In inflammation, ferritin may be normal or high while serum iron and TIBC are low or normal, suggesting anemia of chronic disease rather than pure deficiency. Patterns, not single numbers, tell the story.