Iron Serum

Also known as Iron Serum

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Avoid iron supplements for minimum 24 hours prior to specimen collection.
Overnight fasting is preferred.

Understanding Iron Serum

What is Iron Serum?

Iron serum test is used to measure the level of iron in the blood. Iron is essential for making red blood cells (RBCs), healthy muscles and bone marrow.
The typical symptoms of iron deficiency may include pale skin, fatigue, headaches, and weakness and signs of iron overload include weakness, joints and abdominal pain. This test is usually advised if someone experiences symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, increased accumulation of iron in the body, and low hemoglobin levels.
The iron levels can be too low due to anemia, decreased intake of iron during pregnancy, and lactation. The high levels of iron in the body may indicate a possible case of liver disease and lead poisoning.
Most conditions that cause too little or too much iron can be successfully treated with iron supplements, diet, and medicines.

What is Iron Serum used for?

If you have signs or symptoms of iron deficiency anemia like pallor, fatigue, weakness, headaches
If your CBC shows that your hemoglobin and hematocrit are low and RBC’s are smaller and paler than normal which usually suggest iron deficiency anemia
If you have signs or symptoms of increased accumulation of iron in the body like joint pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of body hair

Interpreting Iron Serum results

Interpretations

Serum iron test is usually evaluated in conjunction with other iron tests.