Iron (Fe)

Results

An iron test checks the amount of iron in the blood to see how well iron is metabolized in the body.

Normal

Normal results may vary from lab to lab.

Serum iron

Men:	80–180 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or 14–32 micromoles per liter (mmol/L) (SI units)
Women:	60–160 mcg/dL or 11–29 mmol/L
Children:	50-120 mcg/dL

 

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)

Men and women:	250–450 mcg/dL or 45–82 mmol/L

 

Transferrin saturation

Men:	20%–50%
Women:	15%–50%

 

High and low values

The values for serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation are used to see whether a low amount of iron in the body is from iron deficiency anemia or another condition. The values are also used to see whether a high amount of iron is due to hemochromatosis or another condition. Other conditions that affect iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation levels include:

• Hemolytic anemia. This causes a low amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin found in red blood cells. The iron levels are often normal.
• Thalassemia. This is a blood disorder that runs in families (inherited). It changes how the body makes hemoglobin. The iron levels are often normal, but ferritin levels may be high if the person has had a lot of blood transfusions.
• Cirrhosis. This is a condition that occurs when inflammation and scarring damage the liver.
• Lead poisoning. This develops from months or years of exposure to small amounts of lead in the environment.
• Iron deficiency anemia. This occurs when low iron levels cause a low amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in red blood cells. The iron levels are low, the transferrin saturation is high, and the ferritin level is low.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. This form of arthritis inflames the membranes or tissues lining the joints.
• Overuse of iron supplements.
• Bleeding.
• Kidney failure.
• Severe infection.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: December 4, 2006
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
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