Iron
Serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and/or transferrin tests are usually ordered together and, subsequently, the transferrin saturation can be determined and used to assess how much iron is being carried in the blood. A ferritin test may also be used to evaluate a person’s current iron stores.
Serum iron levels are often evaluated in conjunction with other iron tests. A summary of the changes in iron tests seen in various diseases of iron status is shown in the table below.
Disease | Iron | TIBC/Transferrin | UIBC | %Transferrin Saturation | Ferritin |
Iron Deficiency | Low | High | High | Low | Low |
Hemochromatosis | High | Low | Low | High | High |
Chronic Illness | Low | Low | Low/Normal | Low | Normal/High |
Hemolytic Anemia | High | Normal/Low | Low/Normal | High | High |
Sideroblastic Anemia | Normal/High | Normal/Low | Low/Normal | High | High |
Iron Poisoning | High | Normal | Low | High | Normal |
Call (417) 881-2522 to schedule an Iron Test in Springfield MO today!