Iron (Serum or Plasma Concentration)
This test measures the amount of iron present in your blood, typically drawn from serum or plasma. Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your red blood cells.
["Iron levels help identify deficiencies or excesses that may affect your health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10759-9
- Short code
- Iron Spt Gomori Stn
- Synonyms
- Iron Spt Gomori Stn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- sputum
- Container
- Sterile sputum container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- gomori-stain
- CPT
- 83540
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, weakness, or unusual tiredness. It could also be checked if you have conditions like anemia, certain infections, or if you’re taking medications that affect iron absorption.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you might be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood from your arm. Wear loose clothing and let your healthcare provider know about any medications you’re taking.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. The process is quick and typically painless, though you might feel a brief pinch. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard ranges for your age, sex, and overall health. Low iron levels may indicate anemia or poor nutrient absorption, while very high levels could signal conditions like hemochromatosis or excessive blood loss.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Iron levels are critical for preventing anemia, supporting immune function, and maintaining energy. Abnormal results may prompt further testing to explore underlying causes like dietary deficiencies, chronic illness, or genetic disorders. Your provider will discuss findings in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Short name
Iron Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low iron levels?
What causes high iron levels?
How long does it take to get 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy