Iron Tests

Iron tests measure different substances in the blood to check iron levels in your body. Iron is a mineral that your body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.

It carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organ function. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones. You get iron from eating food or taking supplements.

There are iron-only supplements, but many multivitamin/mineral supplements also contain iron. Most people in the United States get enough iron. However, certain people may be more likely to have trouble getting enough iron.

For example, those who: Have heavy periods; Are pregnant or breastfeeding; Are infants (especially if they are premature or low birth weight); Are frequent blood donors; Have cancer, certain digestive diseases, or heart failure; The amount of iron you need each day depends on your age, your sex, and whether you consume a mostly plant-based diet. Iron levels that are too low or too high can cause health concerns. For example, not having enough iron in your body is the most common cause of anemia.

Anemia is a condition in which your blood has a lower-than-normal amount of red blood cells. The amount of iron in your blood varies throughout the day and may be higher in the morning. There are different types of iron tests.

You may just have one type of test. But in some cases, your health care provider might order several different iron tests to understand your results better. The different types of iron tests include: Serum iron test, which measures the amount of iron in the blood; Transferrin test, which measures transferrin, a protein that moves iron throughout the body; Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), which measures how well iron attaches to transferrin and other proteins in the blood; Ferritin blood test, which measures how much iron is stored in the body;

Why this test is done

You may need testing if you have symptoms of iron levels that are too low or too high. However, low iron may not cause symptoms until the level is very low. So, your provider may order a routine iron test to check your iron level.

Symptoms of iron levels that are too low include:

• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)

Symptoms of iron levels that are too high include:

• Weakness or fatigue
• Joint pain, most often in the knees or hands
• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Loss of interest in sex or erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Changes in skin color, which may look gray, metallic, or bronze

How to prepare

Your provider may ask you to fast (not eat or drink) for 12 hours before your test. The test is usually done in the morning. If you have any questions about how to prepare for your test, talk to your health care provider.

Sample type

Blood

Other names for this test

Serum Iron, Serum Fe, Ferritin Test, Serum Ferritin