The Iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation) looks at iron in blood and the capacity to carry it. It is done for: anaemia work-up, iron overload.
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
Anaemia work-up, iron overload.
Morning fasting sample preferred. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Iron overload. Low or negative may mean: Iron deficiency. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
Iron in blood and the capacity to carry it.
Blood
Iron overload.
Iron deficiency.
Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex — always use the range printed on your own report.
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
What does the Iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation) measure?
Iron in blood and the capacity to carry it.
Why is the Iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation) done?
Anaemia work-up, iron overload.
Do I need to fast for the Iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation)?
Morning fasting sample preferred.
What does a high or positive Iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation) mean?
Iron overload.
What does a low or negative Iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation) mean?
Iron deficiency.
What is the normal range for the Iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation)?
Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report.
Why is Iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation) done?
Anaemia work-up, iron overload.
Do I need to prepare or fast for Iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation)?
Morning fasting sample preferred. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Iron overload. Low or negative may mean: Iron deficiency. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
SI text CC BY 4.0; decoder reference data (cited per range); LOINC codes free with attribution (notice included).
Sources: SI health summary (own words); MedlinePlus Lab Tests and CDC as references