What are iron tests?

Iron tests measure different substances in the blood to check iron levels in your body. Iron is a mineral that's essential for making red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organ function. Iron levels that are too low or too high can cause serious health problems.

Different types of iron tests include:

• Serum iron test, which measures the amount of iron in the blood
• Transferrin test, which measures transferrin, a protein that moves iron throughout the body
• Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), which measures how well iron attaches to transferrin and other proteins in the blood
• Ferritin blood test, which measures how much iron is stored in the body

Some or all of these tests are often ordered at the same time.

Other names: Fe tests, iron indices

What are they used for?

Iron tests are most often used to:

• Check if your iron levels are too low, a sign of anemia
• Diagnose different types of anemia
• Check if your iron levels are too high, which could be a sign of hemochromatosis. This is a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the body.
• See if treatments for iron deficiency (low iron levels) or excess iron (high iron levels) are working

Why do I need an iron test?

You may need testing if you have symptoms of iron levels that are too low or too high.

Symptoms of iron levels that are too low include:

• Pale skin
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat

Symptoms of iron levels that are too high include:

• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of energy
• Weight loss

What happens during an iron test?

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

Your health care provider may ask you to fast (not eat or drink) for 12 hours before your test. The test is usually done in the morning. If you have any questions about how to prepare for your test, talk to your health care provider.

Are there any risks to iron tests?

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruise at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.