Iron
Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes. Consult a physician to interpret your test results. Health Vault helps track biomarker trends but does not replace medical advice.
What This Test Measures
Serum iron reflects circulating iron bound to transferrin. Has diurnal variation (higher in morning) and fluctuates with diet.
Evaluated with ferritin, TIBC, and transferrin saturation for iron deficiency and overload diagnosis.
Isolated iron measurement is less informative than a complete iron panel.
Normal Ranges
| Group | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Men | 65–175 µg/dL (11.6–31.3 µmol/L) |
| Women | 50–170 µg/dL |
| Children | 50–120 µg/dL |
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and assay method.
Causes of High Levels
- Hemochromatosis
- Hemolytic anemia
- Iron supplements
- Liver disease
- Recent transfusion
Causes of Low Levels
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Chronic inflammation
- Blood loss
- Pregnancy (late, dilutional)
Test Preparation
- Morning fasting (8–12 hours)
- Avoid iron supplements for 24 hours
- Report menstruation
Related Biomarkers
| Biomarker | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Ferritin | Iron stores |
| Transferrin | Transport protein |
| Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) | Binding capacity |
FAQ
How often should I take this test?
With anemia — at diagnosis; on therapy — every 4–8 weeks.
What should I do if my result is abnormal?
Low iron + low ferritin — iron therapy; high iron — rule out hemochromatosis.
Last updated: June 2026