Hepcidin Test
About Hepcidin Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Serum Hepcidin Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum or plasma) |
| Fasting Required | Recommended 8 to 12 hours overnight fast; morning sample preferred |
| Report Time | 2 to 7 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all ages, male and female, particularly for those with suspected iron disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹2800 |
What Is a Hepcidin Test?
The hepcidin test measures the level of hepcidin, a hormone produced by the liver that controls how much iron is available in your body. It regulates iron absorption from food and the release of stored iron into the bloodstream.
Doctors order this test when they need to understand why a patient's iron levels are abnormal or to tell apart different types of anaemia. The test, also known as the serum hepcidin test, uses a blood sample drawn from a vein.
What Does a Hepcidin Test Measure?
The hepcidin test measures a single key hormone. Here is what that tells us:
| Parameter | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| Hepcidin-25 | The active form of the hepcidin hormone indicates how strongly iron absorption and release are being regulated |
When hepcidin is high, the body absorbs less iron from food and stores more iron in cells. When it is low, iron absorption increases and more iron enters the bloodstream. This single measurement gives doctors a window into the root cause of many iron-related conditions.
Why Is a Hepcidin Test Done?
A doctor may request a hepcidin test for several reasons, from investigating unexplained anaemia to checking for iron overload conditions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order this test:
- Unexplained, persistent tiredness or fatigue
- Pallor (pale skin, nails, or inner eyelids)
- General weakness or lack of energy
- Shortness of breath on mild exertion
- Frequent infections or slow recovery
- Joint pain without a clear cause
- Abdominal discomfort
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The serum hepcidin test can assist in identifying the following conditions:
- Iron deficiency anaemia, where hepcidin levels are very low or undetectable
- Anaemia of chronic disease, where hepcidin is elevated even when iron stores are adequate
- Hereditary haemochromatosis, an inherited condition causing excess iron absorption
- Iron refractory iron deficiency anaemia (IRIDA), a rare inherited disorder marked by abnormally high hepcidin
- Beta-thalassaemia and other iron-loading anaemias, where hepcidin is severely reduced
- Chronic kidney disease, which is associated with elevated hepcidin levels
Hepcidin Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hepcidin is recognised as a key factor in the development of anaemia. Measuring hepcidin periodically can help doctors predict whether a patient will respond to iron therapy or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. The test may also be repeated over time to track iron status in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions or iron-loading anaemias such as thalassaemia.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly for your hepcidin test improves the accuracy of results. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
Yes, fasting for 8 to 12 hours overnight is recommended before this test. A morning sample, collected between 7:00 am and 9:00 am, is strongly preferred. This is because hepcidin follows a natural daily rhythm, and levels fluctuate throughout the day. If a full fast is not possible, avoid iron-rich meals and iron supplements before going for collection. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or the diagnostic centre at the time of booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your appointment:
- Schedule your appointment for early morning if possible, ideally between 7:00 am and 9:00 am
- Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking
- Avoid iron supplements for at least 24 to 48 hours before the test, unless your doctor says otherwise
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated before the blood draw
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-sleeved top for easy access to your arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the inner elbow area with an antiseptic wipe.
- An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make your vein easier to find.
- A fine needle is gently inserted into a vein to draw a small amount of blood into a serum collection tube.
- The elastic band is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
- A small plaster or cotton swab is placed over the site.
- The labelled sample is securely packaged and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your serum hepcidin test result. Be aware of the following:
- Time of sample collection (hepcidin levels change naturally throughout the day)
- Recent intake of iron-rich foods or iron supplements
- Active infections or inflammatory conditions, which can raise hepcidin regardless of iron status
- Poor kidney function, which tends to increase hepcidin levels
- Dehydration at the time of blood draw
- Sample handling issues, such as prolonged time at room temperature or haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells in the sample)
Understanding Your Hepcidin Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with a doctor who knows your full medical history. The table below provides general reference ranges used in laboratory settings.
| Hepcidin Test | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Less than 50 mcg/dL | Low |
| 50-175 mcg/dL | Normal |
| Greater than 175 mcg/dL | High |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health conditions can shift hepcidin levels in ways that need careful interpretation:
- Severe kidney dysfunction (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) is associated with significantly higher hepcidin levels, which can complicate the assessment of iron status.
- Active infection or inflammation raises hepcidin as part of the body's acute-phase response, even when iron levels are normal. This can make results harder to interpret in isolation.
- Chronic liver disease and alcohol use can interfere with hepcidin production, as the liver is the primary site where this hormone is made.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
General dietary and lifestyle habits can support balanced iron regulation. Consider these tips:
- Eat a varied diet that includes iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, legumes, and lean meats, along with foods rich in vitamin C to aid absorption.
- If you have a chronic condition that affects iron balance, follow your doctor's specific guidance before taking any iron supplements.
- Managing underlying inflammatory conditions under medical supervision can help keep hepcidin levels within a healthy range.
Lupin Diagnostics Hepcidin Test Price and Home Collection
The hepcidin test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at approximately ₹2800, depending on your city, and home sample collection is available. The table below shows approximate prices across major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price ( ₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹2800 |
| Bengaluru | ₹2800 |
| Hyderabad | ₹2800 |
| Chennai | ₹2800 |
| Kolkata | ₹2800 |
| Pune | ₹2800 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the hepcidin test across cities, so you can have your sample collected at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by qualified professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hepcidin test measures the hormone that controls iron regulation in the body. Doctors use it mainly to distinguish between iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease and to investigate suspected iron overload conditions such as haemochromatosis. It gives insight into the underlying cause of abnormal iron levels rather than just measuring iron itself.
Yes, an overnight fast of 8 to 12 hours is recommended for the best results. Morning collection between 7:00 am and 9:00 am is preferred because hepcidin levels vary naturally throughout the day. If fasting is not possible, avoid iron-rich foods and iron supplements before the test.
A standard iron test measures how much iron is present in your blood. The hepcidin test measures the hormone that governs iron absorption and release, which can explain why your iron levels are high or low in the first place. It also helps doctors decide whether iron therapy is likely to work.
Low hepcidin levels usually indicate the body is signalling a need for more iron, as seen in iron-deficiency anaemia. It can also be low due to inherited conditions like haemochromatosis or beta-thalassaemia, in which the body absorbs too much iron from food. A doctor will look at your full test results and history before drawing conclusions.
High hepcidin is often linked to active inflammation, infection, or chronic disease, such as chronic kidney disease or multiple myeloma. Elevated hepcidin blocks iron from being absorbed or released, which can cause anaemia even when the body's iron stores appear adequate. A rare inherited condition called IRIDA also features abnormally high hepcidin.
Reports are typically available within 2 to 7 days. Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection, and your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Hepcidin Test
