Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
4
Duration
30 min
Results
48 hours
Sample
Blood draw
What's included
4 deliverables in this treatment
- Serum iron
- Ferritin (iron storage)
- Transferrin / Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
- Transferrin saturation percentage
Simple iron test to diagnose anaemia or monitor iron deficiency.
About this treatment
An iron studies panel measures how much iron is in your blood and how well your body is storing and transporting it. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. The panel typically includes serum iron, ferritin (your body's iron storage protein), transferrin or TIBC (total iron-binding capacity, measuring transport capacity), and transferrin saturation. Both iron deficiency and iron overload can cause serious health problems. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, causing fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function. Iron overload (hemochromatosis) can damage the liver, heart, and pancreas.
Good to know
- Biomarkers
- 4 iron markers
- Fasting Required
- Yes, for accurate serum iron
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Turnaround
- 24–48 hours
- Common Use
- Anemia diagnosis, iron overload screening
Who is this for?
Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Women with heavy menstrual periods, who are at higher risk of iron deficiency. Athletes and endurance sports participants, who lose iron through sweat and foot-strike hemolysis. Vegetarians and vegans who may not get enough dietary iron. People with a family history of hemochromatosis (hereditary iron overload).
Preparation required
Fasting for 10–12 hours before your appointment is recommended for accurate results (water is fine). Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and intense exercise for 12 hours before the blood draw. Morning appointments are ideal for consistent hormone and glucose readings. The blood draw typically takes 5–10 minutes.
Panel categories
Biomarkers tested
4The primary iron storage protein. Ferritin reflects total body iron stores and is the first marker to drop in iron deficiency. However, ferritin also rises with inflammation, infection, and liver disease, which can mask true iron deficiency.
A mineral essential for oxygen transport (in hemoglobin), energy production, and immune function. Serum iron measures the amount circulating in blood, but ferritin and TIBC provide a more complete picture of iron status.
Transferrin is a protein that binds and transports iron in the blood. Abnormal levels can indicate iron metabolism disorders.
The percentage of transferrin (iron-transporting protein) that is carrying iron. Calculated from serum iron and TIBC. Low saturation indicates iron deficiency; high saturation may indicate hemochromatosis (iron overload).
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Treatment highlights
- Serum iron
- Ferritin (iron storage)
+2 more items in What's included