Iron (Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of iron present in your blood, which is important for making red blood cells and preventing anemia.
["Iron levels help diagnose and monitor conditions related to iron deficiency or excess."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50199-9
- Short code
- Iron sp2 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Iron sp2 SerPl-mCnc
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for iron deficiency (low iron levels), which can cause fatigue, weakness, or pale skin. They might also order it to monitor conditions like hemochromatosis (a genetic disorder causing too much iron) or to evaluate iron absorption in digestive disorders.
What Does a Low Iron Level Mean?
Low iron levels may indicate anemia, poor diet, blood loss (such as from heavy periods or digestive issues), or increased need for iron (like during pregnancy). It can also be a sign of certain medical conditions or medications affecting iron absorption.
What Does a High Iron Level Mean?
High iron levels can result from conditions like hemochromatosis, excessive iron supplements, or repeated blood transfusions. Too much iron can damage organs over time and increase the risk of heart disease or liver problems.
Sample Collection and Preparation
Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. The sample is sent to a lab where it is processed to separate serum or plasma for testing. This test does not require fasting unless specified by your provider.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Iron Level
Frequently asked questions
Iron levels are crucial for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, which is common and often caused by not getting enough iron in your diet or poor absorption. High iron levels may signal genetic disorders or excessive intake and require medical evaluation to prevent complications.
Results from this test are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing schedule. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you during your follow-up visit.
No special preparation is usually needed for this test, but always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. If they specify fasting, avoid food and liquids (except water) for a certain period before the 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