Iron

Understanding the marker

Serum iron measures how much iron is currently being transported in the blood. It varies through the day and is interpreted with transferrin and ferritin.

Serum iron varies during the day and reflects circulating iron rather than stored iron. Ferritin and transferrin saturation add different information. Follow the ordered test's preparation instructions and do not change prescribed iron treatment without the prescriber's advice.

What does high Iron mean?

A high serum iron result is assessed with ferritin, transferrin saturation, sampling time and any iron treatment or supplements. A single iron value cannot establish excess iron stores or an inherited condition.

What does low Iron mean?

Low iron can reflect iron deficiency but also appears during acute inflammation.