Iron Panel

Iron is a double-edged sword: too little causes fatigue, brain fog, and weakness, while too much drives inflammation and oxidative stress. Men and post-menopausal women often accumulate excess iron since they don't lose it through menstruation, which can silently damage organs over decades. For regular blood donors, this panel helps ensure donation isn't depleting your stores too quickly. Ferritin is your iron savings account, and hs-CRP flags the inflammation that can inflate ferritin and hide low stores. CBC shows how your red cells are holding up, plus vitamin B12 and folate, the nutrients your body needs to rebuild red blood cells after donating. Any day, any time, no fasting — serum iron and TIBC swing with recent meals, so they are left out of an on-site donation draw.