Iron

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.

DiseaseIronTIBC/TransferrinUIBC%Transferrin

Saturation

Ferritin
Iron DeficiencyLowHighHighLowLow
HemochromatosisHighLowLowHighHigh
Chronic IllnessLowLowLow/NormalLowNormal/High
Hemolytic AnemiaHighNormal/LowLow/NormalHighHigh
Sideroblastic AnemiaNormal/HighNormal/LowLow/NormalHighHigh
Iron PoisoningHighNormalLowHighNormal

Call (417) 881-2522 to schedule an Iron Test in Springfield MO today!