Serum or Plasma Free Iron Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of free iron present in your blood, which is important for detecting conditions related to iron overload or deficiency.
["Assessing free iron helps identify potential iron-related health risks or imbalances in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17783-2
- Short code
- Hemosiderin Ur Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Hemosiderin Ur Ql Micro
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or unexplained anemia. It may also be used to monitor iron overload in conditions such as hemochromatosis or to check for iron storage issues in chronic diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood. If you’re taking iron supplements, your provider may advise stopping them for a few days before testing.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis to measure free iron levels in your serum or plasma.
What Are Common Results and What Do They Mean?
Results are typically reported in micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High levels may suggest iron overload, while low levels could indicate iron deficiency or other metabolic issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High free iron levels may indicate hemochromatosis or other conditions causing excessive iron absorption. Low levels can signal iron deficiency anemia, malabsorption, or chronic diseases affecting iron metabolism. Monitoring these levels helps guide treatment for conditions like liver disease, diabetes, or genetic disorders.
Short name
Free Iron Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated free iron levels?
What causes low free iron levels?
Does this test require fasting?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy