Iron (Serum) Concentration, 24-Hour Average
This test measures the average level of iron in your blood over a 24-hour period, typically drawn from serum. It helps assess iron status, including absorption, storage, and utilization in your body.
["This test helps diagnose or monitor iron deficiency or overload conditions, such as anemia or hemochromatosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35256-7
- Short code
- Iron 24h Ur-msCnc
- Synonyms
- Iron 24h Ur-msCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 60
- Ref high
- 170
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83540
- 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 This Test Matters for Your Health
Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood. Too little iron can lead to fatigue, weakness, or anemia, while too much can cause damage to organs like the liver or pancreas. This test helps balance these risks by tracking your body’s iron levels over time.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm. The test involves a small needle inserted into a vein, usually in your arm, and takes about 5 minutes.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Identify
Low iron levels may indicate anemia (e.g., from poor diet, blood loss, or malabsorption), while high levels could signal conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) or excessive intake. It’s also useful for monitoring chronic diseases or after treatments like blood transfusions.
How Results Are Interpreted
Results are compared to your baseline or clinical context rather than absolute ranges. Your healthcare provider will discuss whether your levels are within normal limits or if further testing is needed, such as ferritin or transferrin saturation.
Reference range
NCBI: Serum Iron Male 65-180; Female 50-170 µg/dLN/A
Fasting for 12 hours preferred. Iron supplements should be stopped 24 hours before if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Iron levels measured over 24 hours provide a more accurate picture of your body’s iron dynamics than a single snapshot. This helps detect subtle imbalances that might not appear in routine blood tests, such as inefficient iron absorption or hidden blood loss.
Short name
Serum Iron Profile (24-Hour Average)
Frequently asked questions
What causes my iron levels to be checked this way?
Will I need to avoid certain foods or supplements before the test?
How long will it take to get my 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy