Tests

1st tests to order

clinical diagnosis

Test
Result
Test

Usually no tests are necessary to make the diagnosis.

Result

symptoms of RLS

iron studies

Test
Result
Test

Iron status should be checked in all patients diagnosed with RLS. A full iron assessment should include serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and percentage transferrin saturation, and should be measured in the early morning after an overnight fast.[23][27]

Note many anemic patients do not develop RLS, and most patients with RLS do not have low ferritin levels.

Low brain iron stores have been associated with RLS. However, serum iron levels do not always correlate with central nervous system iron stores.

The cause of iron deficiency should be assessed in all patients with serum ferritin <50 nanograms/mL.[2]​[27][28]​​

Result

may be normal or reduced

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