Iron tests measure how much iron is circulating in your blood (serum iron), how much is stored (ferritin) and how much your blood could carry (TIBC and transferrin saturation).
Why is it done?
They diagnose iron deficiency, the most common cause of anemia worldwide, and screen for iron overload.
How to prepare
A morning sample after an overnight fast gives the most reliable serum iron. Stop iron tablets for 24 hours beforehand unless told otherwise.
How to read your results
Low ferritin is the clearest sign of iron deficiency. Low iron with high TIBC also points to deficiency. High ferritin with high transferrin saturation suggests iron overload, while high ferritin alone is often due to inflammation.
Tests in this panel and their normal ranges
| Test | Normal range (adults) |
|---|---|
| Serum Iron | Men 60–170 µg/dL (10.7–30 µmol/L) Women 50–150 µg/dL (9–27 µmol/L) |
| Ferritin | Men 24–336 ng/mL (24–336 µg/L) Women 11–307 ng/mL (11–307 µg/L) |
| TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) | 250–370 µg/dL (45–66 µmol/L) |
| Transferrin Saturation (TSAT) | Men 20–50% Women 15–50% |
| Transferrin | 200–360 mg/dL (2–3.6 g/L) |
Ranges vary slightly between laboratories. The range printed on your own report is the one to go by.
Last updated
This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Normal ranges differ between laboratories, so always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss abnormal results with your doctor.