What is the Serum Iron (Fe) test?

Serum iron is an essential nutrient that, among other functions, is required for the production of healthy red blood cells (RBCs). It is an important part of haemoglobin, the proteins in RBCs that bind with oxygen in the lungs and release it when the blood circulates to other parts of the body.

What are the other names for the Serum Iron (Fe) test? 

The other names are serum Fe, and Iron test.

What are the test parameters included in the Serum Iron (Fe) test?

There is only one parameter.

What does the Serum Iron (Fe) test measure?

A serum iron test analyses the amount of iron in the blood. Besides, iron is an essential mineral for creating red blood cells (RBC). Red blood cells (RBC) carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organ function. Iron levels that are too low or too high may cause serious health issues.

Serum iron is analysed with other iron tests, such as serum ferritin, transferrin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Usually, these tests are done at the same time. 

Usually, the body cannot produce iron and must absorb it from the foods we eat or from supplements. Once it is absorbed, it will be transported throughout the body by binding to transferrin, a protein produced by the liver. In healthy people, most of the iron absorbed is incorporated into the haemoglobin inside red blood cells (RBCs).

What’s the normal range of Serum Iron test?

Male - 49 - 181 μg/dL

Female - 37 - 170 μg/dL

Who should get a serum iron test? 

A healthcare provider recommends a serum iron test if there is an abnormal result in the complete blood count (CBC) test showing decreased haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. If you complain of fatigue, dizziness, weakness, headaches, pallor, shortness of breath, chest pain, leg pains, etc., the reason could be a deficiency of iron. Children are often seen eating chalk, clay, dirt, or licorice when their iron is deficient.

Is there any preparation needed for the Serum Iron (Fe) test?

No special preparation is required. Fasting is not required for this test.

What is the cost of a Total Bilirubin test?

What is the type of sample required? 

This test requires a blood sample.

Who will perform the Serum Iron (Fe) test?

A healthcare provider, who is also called a phlebotomist, usually performs blood draws, including those for serum iron tests, but any healthcare provider trained in drawing blood can perform this task. Samples are sent to a lab where a medical laboratory scientist prepares the samples and measures the tests on analysers or manually.

What should I expect during my Serum Iron (Fe) test?

You may expect to experience the following during the blood test or a blood draw:

1. You sit comfortably on the chair, and a healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. It is the inner part of the arm on the other side of your elbow.
2. Once the phlebotomist has located a vein, they disinfect the area with an alcohol swab.
3. They will insert a needle into your vein to draw a blood sample. They may feel like a small pinch.
4. After the needle is inserted, the required amount of blood is drawn into a test tube.
5. When they draw enough blood for the test, they will remove the needle and hold a cotton ball or gauze on the pricked site to stop any bleeding.
6. They apply a band-aid over the pricked site, and the blood collection is finished.

This process takes less than five minutes.

What should I expect after my Serum Iron (Fe) test?

Once the phlebotomist has collected the blood sample, it will be sent to the laboratory for processing. When the test reports are ready, your healthcare provider will share the results with you.

What is the risk of the Serum Iron (Fe) test?

These blood tests are very common, and they don’t carry any significant risks. You can have a slight pain like an ant bite when the needle gets inserted, and a small bruise might develop there.

When can I expect my Serum Iron (Fe) test results?

This report is available via email or WhatsApp within 6 hours after the collection of the blood sample.

What do the results of the Serum Iron (Fe) test mean?

Interpreting test results

If one or more iron test results show your serum iron values are very low, it may mean you have:

1. Iron deficiency anaemia, a common type of anaemia, is a disorder in which your body does not make enough red blood cells (RBC).
2. Another type of anaemia.
3. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to make fewer than normal healthy red blood cells.

If one or more iron test results show your iron levels are very high, it might mean you have:

1. Hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the body.
2. Lead poisoning
3. Liver disease 

Most conditions that cause very little or more iron can be successfully treated with iron supplements, diets, medicines, and other therapies.

If your iron test results are not normal, it does not mean that you have a medical condition needing treatment. Usually, some medicines, including birth control pills and estrogen treatments, might affect iron levels. Iron levels might also be lower for women during their menstrual cycles.

What are normal Serum Iron (Fe) test results?

Male - 49 - 181 μg/dL

Female - 37 - 170 μg/dL

Normal ranges might vary slightly among different laboratories. Some of the labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Speak to the doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Iron profile, ferritin.

How do I book a Serum Iron (Fe) test at home?

Log on to www.orangehealth.in and submit your details. Our highly trained, professional, and vaccinated eMedics will be at your doorstep within 60 minutes or at the time booked by you.