Iron

What is Iron?

Iron is a mineral in your body that is obtained from food or supplements. It is essential for generating red blood cells and is part of the component (hemoglobin) that bring oxygen to your lungs. Testing your iron level can help you understand if you have enough of this mineral to keep your body functioning well. It can also indicate whether you are getting enough iron from your food, or you might need to take a supplement.

Many people consume sufficient iron through a healthy diet that includes red meat, beans, dark leafy greens, and iron-fortified grains. Some people do not take in enough iron or do not absorb it properly, while others, including pregnant women, have higher iron needs.

Why take an Iron test?

This test is encouraged for those who feel tired, dizzy, weak, with some fast heartbeat, pale skin and headaches. These are the symptoms of low iron levels. A serum iron blood test can help you screen for any abnormal levels (higher or lower than normal). It is recommended as a part of a wellness routine check-up and to prevent serious illnesses from occurring. It measures the levels of iron to assess iron deficiency or iron overload.

The serum iron test is used to screen for iron-deficiency anemia or for hemochromatosis (iron overload). It measures the amount of iron in your blood. While there is a normal range for both men and women, results could vary between laboratories. Because iron level can fluctuate from day to day (or even within the same day), iron tests are often ordered with ferritin and total iron-binding capacity.

What can cause Iron levels to rise?

Some medications could affect your iron levels; so, make sure you take them into account when analyzing the results. These include birth control pills, antibiotics, aspirin, estrogen and testosterone. Alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on your levels.

What your Iron test results mean?

Normal iron levels vary among gender and age. Men need to have serum iron levels between 76 and 198 micrograms per deciliter while women should have them between 26 and 170. Children should have their levels set between 50 and 120 mcg/dL.

Where can I get an Iron test near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: May 24, 2019