Iron Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Iron Panel, Iron Studies, Serum Iron, Ferritin Test
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.
Specimen: Blood sample from a vein in your arm
Why this test may be ordered
- Check if iron levels in your blood are too low, a sign of anemia
- Diagnose different types of anemia
- Check if iron levels are too high, which could be a sign of hemochromatosis
- See if treatments for iron deficiency or excess iron are working
Preparation and collection
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.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
To understand the results of your iron test, your provider will consider your symptoms, age, medical history, and the results of other blood tests.
- Low iron levels: If one or more iron test results show your iron levels are too low, it may mean you have: Iron deficiency anemia, a common type of anemia. Thalassemia, a blood disorder that is inherited (passed down through families). Limitation: Iron levels may also be lower for women during their menstrual cycles. Next step: Most conditions that cause too little or too much iron can be treated with iron supplements (for low iron), changes to your diet, medicines, and/or other therapies.
- High iron levels: If one or more iron test results show your iron levels are too high, it may mean you have: hemochromatosis, lead poisoning, liver disease. Limitation: If your iron test results are not normal, it does not necessarily mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Some medicines, including birth control pills and estrogen treatments, can affect iron levels. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- The amount of iron in your blood varies throughout the day and may be higher in the morning.
- Some medicines, including birth control pills and estrogen treatments, can affect iron levels.
- Iron levels may also be lower for women during their menstrual cycles.
- If your iron test results are not normal, it does not necessarily mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment.
What to do next
If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- Do I need to fast before the test?
- What are the risks of the blood test?
- What do my results mean?
- Will I need additional tests?
- How can I prepare for the test?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.