Iron, Total Serum
This test measures the amount of iron present in your blood serum. Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your red blood cells.
["Iron levels help assess your risk for anemia or iron deficiency."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15357-7
- Short code
- Iron Tiss-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Iron Tiss-mCnt
- 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 recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, weakness, or shortness of breath—common signs of low iron. They might also order it to check for iron overload if you have conditions like hemochromatosis or frequent blood donations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a broader metabolic panel, but this isn’t always required for just the iron test. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Done
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. 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 absorption, while very high levels could suggest conditions like hemochromatosis or excessive intake.
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.
Low total iron levels often point to iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and an increased risk of infections. High levels may signal iron overload, which can damage organs over time. This test is a key part of diagnosing and managing these conditions, especially in patients with symptoms or risk factors.
Short name
Total Iron
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my iron test results?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
What causes low iron levels?
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