Skip to content

Serum Iron

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

Serum iron measures the amount of iron present in the liquid portion of blood. It is crucial for assessing iron levels in the body and diagnosing conditions related to iron deficiency or overload.

Quick summary

Serum iron test assesses the concentration of iron in the blood to diagnose iron-related disorders.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
μg/dL
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche Iron, Abbott Iron, Siemens Iron
interpretation: {"text":"May indicate iron deficiency anemia, chronic blood loss, or malnutrition.","label":"Low Levels"}; {"text":"May suggest hemochromatosis, iron poisoning, or liver disease.","label":"High Levels"}

Serum iron is a blood test that measures the amount of iron circulating in the liquid part of the blood, known as serum. It is an essential component for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

The normal reference range for serum iron is typically between 60–170 μg/dL. Levels outside this range can indicate various medical conditions, such as iron-deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis.

This test is often used in conjunction with other iron studies, such as total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and ferritin, to provide a comprehensive assessment of iron metabolism and storage in the body.

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
How can I increase my iron levels?
Consuming iron-rich foods such as red meat, beans, and spinach, or taking iron supplements as advised by a healthcare provider.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic: Iron deficiency anemiaSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus: Iron TestsSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy