Iodine-free serum/plasma mass concentration (e.g., iodine content in a sample)
This test measures the amount of iodine present in your blood, either in serum or plasma. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, which helps regulate metabolism.
["Assessing iodine levels helps ensure your thyroid functions properly and prevents deficiencies or excesses that could impact energy and health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2493-5
- Short code
- Iodine Free Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Iodine Free Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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, weight changes, or thyroid-related issues. It can also be part of routine screening for iodine balance, especially in areas where iodine deficiency is common.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re tested for urine iodine, you may need to collect a 24-hour urine sample.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your iodine levels are too low (hypothyroidism risk) or too high (possible thyroid overactivity or medication side effects). Interpretation depends on clinical context and your overall health.
Common Causes and Conditions
Low iodine levels may result from diet low in iodized salt, thyroid disorders, or malabsorption issues. High levels could stem from excessive iodine intake (e.g., supplements, medications) or thyroid overactivity.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Iodine deficiency is a global health concern linked to thyroid dysfunction, goiter, and developmental delays in children. Excess iodine can disrupt thyroid hormone production or cause temporary thyroid dysfunction.
Short name
Iodine Level (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my iodine test be ordered even if I don’t have obvious symptoms?
What should I do if my iodine levels are outside the expected range?
Can dietary supplements or medications affect my iodine test results?
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