Diagnostic Tests

1. Overview: What this test reveals and why it is important Hepcidin is a peptide hormone produced primarily by the liver that serves as the master regulator of systemic iron homeostasis. Discovered in 2001, it has revolutionised our understanding of iron metabolism and its disorders . Hepcidin exerts its regulatory function by controlling the only known cellular iron exporter, ferroportin, which is located on the membrane of macrophages, hepatocytes, and the basolateral surf

Ferroportin (also known as SLC40A1, FPN1, or IREG1) is not a routine clinical blood test but rather a protein—the only known cellular exporter of elemental iron in humans . Understanding ferroportin is essential for interpreting iron studies (serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation) and diagnosing disorders of iron overload or deficiency. Ferroportin is a transmembrane protein expressed on the surface of cells that export iron into the bloodstream . Its primary locations

Quick Overview: Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing blood protein made mainly in the liver. It carries most circulating copper and helps convert ferrous iron to ferric iron, which supports transferrin binding and normal iron transport. Because of this, the ceruloplasmin blood test can offer clues about copper metabolism, iron handling, liver function, and inflammatory states. Beyond iron homeostasis, ceruloplasmin also has antioxidant properties (scavenging superoxide radica