Does anyone know if home blood iron level test kits are any good?

[Reastie]

[[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prima-Home-Test-Iron-Tester/dp/B005CTTXXO this one]] . I think my iron levels may be low and I know I can go to the GP to get a form and have a blood test, but I just thought something like this would save alot of time and bother and dragging a toddler along to have my blood tested. I've heard bad things about home blood tests but I'm not sure if that incudes iron testing. Any knowledge gratefully received

Your GP is likely to test just more than your ferritin so more likely to get to the bottom of the problem.

No, do not bother with such things. Home kits are a waste of money.

If your iron levels are indeed low this should be properly determined by the GP who must also establish why you are anaemic. Its all very well treating the symptoms but the cause must be determined as well.

Thanks Attila anaemia likely cause (if I have it) is heavy periods from copper coil (think you commented on my thread about this too)

With Attila on this. Why spend money on stuff you can get tested on the NHS?

Grit your teeth and go and see the doc.

I have to add I thought my anaemia was heavy periods as I had flooding. But actually it was pernicious anaemia that a ferritin test would not have picked up.

What tests do pick up pernicious anaemia? Am trying to get to the bottom of various iron related matters without too much luck so far.

Vitamin B12 and folate pick up pernicious anaemia.