Serum Iron Concentration (Mass)
This test measures the amount of iron present in your blood serum, which helps assess iron status and identify potential deficiencies or excesses.
["Iron levels can affect energy, anemia risk, and overall health—this test helps track them."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50200-5
- Short code
- Iron sp3 SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Iron sp3 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) or iron overload (high iron levels), which can cause fatigue, weakness, or other symptoms. It’s often used alongside other tests like ferritin or transferrin saturation to get a full picture of your iron metabolism.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into your arm to draw a blood sample. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel a slight pinch. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Do the Results Mean?
Results are compared to standard reference ranges for your age, sex, and overall health. Low iron levels may indicate anemia or poor absorption, while very high levels could signal conditions like hemochromatosis 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.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Iron Level in Serum
Frequently asked questions
Low iron levels can lead to anemia, fatigue, weakness, or difficulty concentrating. High iron levels may cause organ damage over time, especially in conditions like hemochromatosis. Regular monitoring is important if you have a history of blood disorders or certain genetic conditions.
A low iron level could be due to poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, or malabsorption issues. Your doctor may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or further testing to find the cause.
Is fasting required for this test? No, but your provider may advise fasting if the test is part of a broader metabolic evaluation.
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