Serum Iron
Serum Iron test is a measure of the amount of iron present in the body. Iron is an essential micronutrient necessary for making red blood cells (RBCs). Iron is also vital for healthy muscle, bone marrow, and organ function. Higher or lower iron levels can lead to serious health problems such as cirrhosis and anaemia.
The blood’s iron content varies throughout the day. For that reason, Iron, Serum test is not a useful indicator of iron status when used alone. Therefore, Iron, Serum test is frequently requested in addition to other iron tests like ferritin, TIBC (total iron binding capacity), UIBC (unbound iron binding capacity), and transferrin saturation.
These tests are used to monitor iron deficiency or overload in the body and to analyze the capacity of the blood to transport iron. Thus, early detection and treatment of iron deficiency or overload can prevent serious health conditions
Symptoms of low iron levels
Pale skin
Fatigue
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat
Symptoms of high iron levels
Joint pain
Stomach pain
Low energy
Weight loss
Who should get tested? Serum Iron test is recommended for individuals shown to have anaemia or any problem with their red blood cells after a full blood count test. Doctors will also suggest Iron, Serum test if there is too much iron in the body. Individuals should get the serum iron test:
To monitor whether treatments for iron deficiency (low iron levels) or excess iron (high iron levels) are working
Test preparation
Serum iron test may require fasting for up to 12 hours before the test. Only drinking water during this time is recommended. Certain medicines may affect the results of this test, therefore ask your doctor for details about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are Micrograms Per Deciliter (mcg/dL)
|
Parameters |
Normal Iron, Serum level reference range |
|
Men |
70 to 175 mcg/dL |
|
Women |
50 to 170 mcg/dL |
|
Children |
50 to 120 mcg/dL |
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Higher than normal level of iron may be a sign of:
·      Excess of iron (hemochromatosis) in the body
·      Anaemia due to red blood cells being destroyed quickly (haemolytic anaemia)
·      Liver tissue death
·      Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
·      Iron poisoning
Lower than normal level of iron may be a sign of:
·      Long-term digestive tract bleeding
·      Heavy menstrual bleeding
·      Intestinal conditions causing poor absorption of iron
·      Iron deficiency in diet
·      Inherited blood disorder causing the body to make fewer RBCs (Thalassemia)
FAQs
How is the sample collected during serum iron test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Usually, this process does not take more than 5 minutes
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the results of serum iron test?
You will usually get the reports within the same day after the collection of the blood sample
Who are at high risk for anaemia?
There are certain groups of people who are at high risk of being affected by anaemia; for example, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children in puberty stage, vegans and patients having chronic diseases, such as stomach ulcers or cancer, etc
What factors can affect my serum iron test result?
Medicines that can affect Iron, Serum test result include estrogen, testosterone, birth control pills, antibiotics, aspirin, certain chemotherapy drugs, etc. Consuming alcohol can also affect the test result. Iron levels in women may be lower during their menstrual cycle
Should I be concerned if my serum iron test result is abnormal?
If your serum iron test result reveals that you have high or low levels of iron, it might be because of a medical condition. Other factors, such as diet and inflammatory health conditions, can also influence your iron levels. If you have an abnormal test result, consult your healthcare provider, who may order additional tests to determine the cause of your abnormal iron levels.
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