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Iron Tests Test

Iron tests measure the amount of iron in your blood and how well your body stores it. They help check if your iron levels are too low (which can cause anemia) or too high (which may indicate iron overload).

What this test measures

Iron tests measure different substances in the blood to check iron levels in your body. They include serum iron (amount of iron in the blood), transferrin (a protein that moves iron), total iron-binding capacity (how well iron attaches to transferrin), and ferritin (stored iron).

What your results mean

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.

Higher-than-normal results

If one or more iron test results show your iron levels are too high, it may mean you have hemochromatosis, lead poisoning, or liver disease.

Lower-than-normal results

If one or more iron test results show your iron levels are too low, it may mean you have iron deficiency anemia, another type of anemia, or thalassemia.

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of iron tests?

The different types include serum iron test (measures iron in the blood), transferrin test (measures transferrin, a protein that moves iron), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) (measures how well iron attaches to transferrin), and ferritin blood test (measures stored iron).

Why might I need an iron test?

Iron tests are used to check if iron levels are too low (sign of anemia), diagnose different types of anemia, check if iron levels are too high (sign of hemochromatosis), measure iron stored in the liver, check for restless legs syndrome, or check for adult Still disease.

Can medications affect iron test results?

Yes, some medicines, including birth control pills and estrogen treatments, can affect iron levels.

What does a low iron level mean?

Low iron levels may indicate iron deficiency anemia, another type of anemia, or thalassemia.

What does a high iron level mean?

High iron levels may indicate hemochromatosis, lead poisoning, or liver disease.

Related lab tests

Sources

Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.