Iron, Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration (Total Iron)
This test measures the amount of iron present in your blood serum or plasma. Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
["Iron levels help assess your risk for iron deficiency or excess, which can affect energy and health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109679-1
- Short code
- Iron Msmt Hair
- Synonyms
- Iron Msmt Hair
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 60
- Ref high
- 170
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83540
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, weakness, or unusual tiredness, which can be signs of low iron. They might also order it to check for conditions like anemia, hemochromatosis (too much iron), or to monitor treatment for iron-related disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm to draw blood. If you’re concerned about needles, let your healthcare provider know. Avoid eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the test if instructed.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a standard range for healthy adults. Low levels may indicate iron deficiency, while very high levels could suggest conditions like hemochromatosis. Your provider will discuss these results with you in detail.
Common Conditions Affecting Iron Levels
Low iron levels (iron deficiency) can result from poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, or conditions like celiac disease or chronic blood loss. High iron levels may be linked to genetic disorders, excessive red meat intake, or repeated blood transfusions.
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 is vital for red blood cell production and oxygen transport. Abnormal levels can lead to anemia (low iron) or iron overload (high iron), both of which may cause fatigue, weakness, or organ damage over time. Regular monitoring helps manage these conditions effectively.
Short name
Total Iron Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low iron levels in my blood?
How long does it take to get my iron test results back?
Can I eat or drink anything before my iron test?
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