Hepcidin Test
Hepcidin is a simple blood test based on enzyme-linked immune assays (ELISA) that checks for an iron deficiency in the body.
Hepcidin, produced by the liver, is a hormone that helps the absorption of dietary iron and controls how the body uses its iron supply. However, an unbalanced hepcidin production leads to a variety of iron disorders.
For example, Hepcidin deficiency causes iron overload in hereditary hemochromatosis, iron-loading anemias, and hepatitis C, whereas an excess of this hormone results in iron deficiency in anemia of inflammation, chronic kidney disease, infections, Cancer, and iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia(IRIDA).
By measuring hepcidin levels in the blood, your doctor can comprehensively evaluate your body's iron requirements and plan personalized care to manage your anemia or iron overload.
What is the Hepcidin Test Used For?
Hepcidin is used for:
Diagnosing medical conditions that are associated with abnormal Hepcidin levels. For example, Iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia(IRIDA), Hereditary hemochromatosis etc.
Distinguishing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from anemia of chronic disease (ACD)
Predicting and monitoring iron deficiency as well as iron overload in body
Guiding the iron therapy treatment in the management of inflammatory and infective condition
Monitoring and assessment of indications requiring hepcidin as treatment
Preparation for Test
There aren't any special preparations required for this test. But you may have to fast overnight before giving the sample. Also, inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
Interpretation of Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are given in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL)
|
Hepcidin test |
Interpretation |
|
Less than 50 mcg/dL |
Low |
|
50-175 mcg/dL |
Normal |
|
Greater than 175mcg/dL |
High |
- If the hepcidin levels are within the established normal range, it suggests the absence of iron-associated disorders.
- Elevated levels may indicate iron-restricted anemias as observed in IRIDA, Chronic kidney disease, Crohn's disease, certain tumors, and Chronic infection.
- Low hepcidin levels may indicate absolute iron deficiency and present in conditions like Hepatitis C, Type -2 diabetes, Hereditary hemochromatosis, and Iron loading anemia.
- Low hepcidin serum concentration also predicts therapeutic response to oral iron supplementation therapy.
FAQs
What do abnormal Hepcidin levels indicate?
Abnormal hepcidin levels may indicate disorders related to iron metabolism, which must be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information.
Are there any risks associated with a Hepcidin blood test?
This test involves negligible risk, although there might be slight soreness or tenderness around the site where the blood is drawn. Rarely did the site become infected.
What affects Hepcidin test results?
While the Hepcidin test provides valuable insight into iron metabolism disorders, specific factors can significantly influence its levels and, consequently, the test results. These factors include:
- Gender differences, with lower hepcidin levels being commonly observed in women than men.
- Inflammation, triggered by injury or infection, where body hepcidin levels increase to prevent iron release into the bloodstream.
- Increased red blood cell production.
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