Description
An Iron Serum Blood Test measures the amount of iron in your blood. Iron is a vital mineral that helps your body produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
Why the Test Is Ordered
- Detect iron deficiency or anemia: Low iron levels can indicate iron deficiency anemia.
- Evaluate iron overload: High iron levels may indicate conditions such as hemochromatosis or repeated blood transfusions.
- Monitor chronic diseases: Iron levels can be affected by kidney disease, liver disease, or chronic inflammation.
- Assess nutritional status: Helps evaluate dietary iron intake and absorption.
Symptoms or Conditions That May Prompt Testing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or headaches
- Pale skin
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Joint pain (in cases of iron overload)
How the Test Works
- A blood sample is drawn and analyzed to measure serum iron, the portion of iron circulating in the blood bound to a protein called transferrin.
- Often ordered with other iron tests such as ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), or transferrin saturation to get a complete picture of iron status.
Interpretation of Results
- Low serum iron may indicate:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Blood loss
- Poor dietary intake or absorption issues
- High serum iron may indicate:
- Hemochromatosis
- Excessive iron supplementation
- Liver disease or certain anemias
Fasting Requirements
- Fasting is recommended, typically 8–12 hours, because iron levels can be influenced by recent food intake.
The Iron Serum Blood Test is a key diagnostic tool for identifying both iron deficiency and iron overload, helping guide treatment decisions and monitor overall health.
