Serum Iron Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of iron present in your blood serum, which is important for making hemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.
["Iron levels help assess your risk of anemia or iron overload."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110269-8
- Short code
- Iron Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- Iron Msmt SerPl
- 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
What Is Iron’s Role in Your Body?
Iron is a vital mineral that helps your body produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Low iron levels can lead to fatigue, weakness, or anemia, while very high levels may cause health issues like organ damage or iron toxicity.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like extreme tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue. It may also be done to check for iron deficiency (low iron) or iron overload (hemochromatosis) before surgery, during pregnancy, or if you have certain medical conditions like gastrointestinal disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but your doctor might ask you to avoid certain supplements (like iron or multivitamins) for a few days before testing. You may have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will clean your arm’s skin, insert a small needle into a vein, and draw a small amount of blood. The process usually takes just a few minutes, and you may feel a slight pinch. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
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.
How Your Results May Affect Your Health
Short name
Iron Level
Frequently asked questions
Low iron levels (anemia) can cause fatigue, weakness, or pale skin. High iron levels may indicate hemochromatosis or other conditions requiring medical attention. Your doctor will discuss results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
What does a high iron level mean? High iron levels may require lifestyle adjustments (like reducing red meat intake) or medical treatment to prevent organ damage. Your doctor may also check for conditions like hemochromatosis.
How often should I get this test? Your doctor will determine frequency based on your health status, symptoms, or risk factors (e.g., pregnancy, chronic illness). Regular monitoring may be needed if you have conditions like anemia or hemochromatosis.
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