Serum iron test

A blood sample is needed.

The serum iron level can change, depending on how recently you ingested iron. Your health care provider will likely have you do this test in the morning or after fasting. Certain medicines may affect the results of this test. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines. Do not stop any…

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

Your provider may recommend this test if you have: Signs of low iron (iron deficiency) Signs of too much iron Anemia caused by a chronic disease

Normal value range is: Iron: Males: 50 to 150 mcg/dL (8.95 to 26.85 micromol/L); Females: 35 to 145 mcg/dL (6.26 to 25.95 micromol/L) Total iron binding capacity (TIBC): Males: 171 to 505 mcg/dL (30.6 to 90.3 micromol/L); Females: 149 to 492 mcg/dL (26.7 to 88.0 micromol/L) Iron saturation: Males: 20% to 50%; Females:…

Higher-than-normal iron level may be a sign of: Too much iron in the body ( hemochromatosis ) Anemia due to red blood cells being destroyed too quickly ( hemolytic anemia ) Liver tissue death Inflammation of the liver ( hepatitis ) Iron poisoning Frequent blood transfusions Lower-than-normal level may be a sign of:…

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive…

Camaschella C. Disorders of iron homeostasis: iron deficiency and overload. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 37. Markell M, Siddiqi HA. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's…