Your Guide
to the Iron Deficiency Rapid Test
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- Quick reference for your results
- Practical iron health tips
- Digital copy of your instructions leaflet
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🔎 How to use your test
1️⃣ Collect your sample – Wash your hands, use the lancet to prick your finger, and collect a blood sample as shown in the leaflet.
2️⃣ Run the test – Apply the sample to the test cassette and wait for 10 minutes before checking your result.
3️⃣ Check your result – Please note! Results may be inaccurate after 20 minutes.
🎥 Before you start, we recommend watching this quick video - it makes the process easier!
📊 Interpreting your results
Negative (Normal Ferritin)
Your iron stores are within range. If you still feel tired or unwell, consider further testing.
Positive (Low Ferritin)
Your ferritin level may be low, which could indicate iron deficiency. A follow-up with your doctor is recommended.
Invalid Result
No control line (C)? We recommend you retest. Still unclear? Scroll down for our Support Contact Details.
📝 What to do next
Not sure what to do with your results? Don’t worry - we’re here to help.
If your result is normal
That’s reassuring! But if you still feel fatigued, dizzy, or run down, a broader health check may be helpful.
If your result is low
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist about iron supplements or dietary changes. A full blood test can confirm a deficiency.
If you feel unwell despite a normal result
Low ferritin from diet, blood loss, or heavy periods could be the cause – a follow-up blood test and GP advice can help.
📌 Next step: If you want a more detailed check, consider the MyHealthChecked Vitamins & Minerals Laboratory Blood Test.
🩺 Get a clearer picture with a Blood Test
Want more detailed insights? Your rapid test gives fast 'screener' insights, but this lab test checks iron, B12, folate, vitamin D, and more to help you understand what your body really needs.
Vitamins & Minerals Profile Blood Test
✅ Checks iron, B12, folate, vitamin D and more
✅ Finger-prick blood sample
✅ Sample sent to UK lab
✅ Results in 2–3 working days
✅ GP-reviewed results
✅ £85 - includes lab analysis and GP-reviewed results
🧬 Discover your nutrient needs with a DNA test
Curious about how your body works? Your rapid test checks your current ferritin level — but your DNA can reveal how well your body absorbs and uses iron, vitamin B12, and folate. These nutrients work together to support healthy red blood cell production and iron metabolism, playing a vital role in preventing deficiency.
This simple at-home test, with your DNA sample analysed in our laboratory, helps you make smarter choices about your diet and supplements, based on your genetics.
Vitamins & Minerals DNA Test
✅ Analyses genes linked to iron and nutrient absorption
✅ Easy cheek swab sample
✅ Sample sent to UK lab
✅ Results in 7–10 working days
✅ GP-reviewed report with personalised advice
✅ £54 – includes lab analysis and expert-reviewed results
📩 Reminder: Get more info
Want to dive deeper into your iron health? We’ll send you a reference guide for your test results, an article with iron health tips and nutrition advice, and troubleshooting support to guide you through the process. Enter your email below:
🛡️ You're in safe hands
We know that self-tests might be quite new to you, but you’re not alone. We're here for you.
💬 "Taking the sample is fine and less hassle than going to the doctors, results back quickly with actionable advice. This is the way forward!" – HRW23 (Vitamins & Minerals Laboratory Blood Test)
🩺 Clinically backed: Our laboratory tests are developed with experts and used by healthcare professionals.
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If you need support, we're here to help. Take things at your own pace and reach out whenever you're ready.
🥬 Iron-friendly foods
Power up with lentils and leafy greens
Lentils, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are top plant-based sources of non-heme iron. They're also packed with folate and vitamin C, two nutrients that work with iron to support red blood cell formation and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Did you know? Folate and B12 help form healthy red blood cells, and low levels of either can worsen the effects of iron deficiency.
How to include it:
Toss lentils into soups, salads, or stews.
Enjoy leafy greens lightly sautéed or blended into smoothies. Pair with citrus to boost iron absorption.
Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C for better absorption
Your body absorbs non-heme iron (from plants) more efficiently when paired with vitamin C. That’s why combining iron-rich foods with oranges, bell peppers, or tomatoes is a smart move.
Interesting fact: A glass of orange juice can increase iron absorption from a meal by up to 4 times.
How to include it:
Add citrus dressing to your spinach salad.
Enjoy bell peppers or a side of tomatoes with iron-rich meals.
Avoid calcium and caffeine close to iron-rich meals
Calcium and compounds in tea and coffee can reduce iron absorption when consumed at the same time.
Smart tip: Wait at least 1–2 hours after an iron-rich meal before having dairy, tea, or coffee.
How to include it:
Have your tea or coffee between meals instead of during.
Choose water or a vitamin C–rich drink (like citrus water) with meals to support absorption.
Snack on pumpkin seeds and cashews
These small but mighty snacks deliver a good dose of iron, along with zinc and magnesium- all important for energy, immune function, and metabolism.
Interesting fact: Zinc also supports the production of red blood cells and works alongside iron in the body.
How to include it:
Eat a small handful as a snack or sprinkle them over oats, yogurt, or salads.
Enjoy iron from seafood and shellfish
Clams, mussels, sardines, and anchovies are some of the best natural sources of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than plant-based iron. They also contain B12, a key partner in red blood cell production.
Did you know? Just 6 clams provide more than 100% of your daily iron needs, plus a boost of B12.
How to include it:
Have shellfish as a starter or in pasta dishes. Try tinned sardines on toast for a quick iron-rich meal.
Cook with a cast-iron pan
It’s a simple trick with big impact, cooking acidic foods (like tomatoes) in a cast-iron skillet can increase their iron content.
Fun fact: Cooking in cast iron can increase the iron content of food by up to 16 times, especially in moist, acidic dishes.
How to include it:
Use cast iron to prepare tomato sauces, lentil stews, or sautéed greens.
Get support
If you encounter any issues with the components of your kit or have any questions regarding your test, please contact care@myhealthchecked.com. Our customer care team is here to assist you and ensure a positive experience.