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Iron, Total Serum Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of iron present in your blood serum, which is important for assessing iron status and identifying potential deficiencies or excesses.

Quick summary

["Iron levels help detect anemia or iron overload conditions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
38414-9
Short code
Iron Tiss-sCnt
Synonyms
Iron Tiss-sCnt
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 if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or unusual tiredness. It may also be used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as anemia, hemochromatosis (iron overload), or other blood disorders. Sometimes, it’s part of routine blood work to check overall health or before certain treatments.

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 iron panel, but this isn’t always required. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they can affect results.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to standard reference ranges, but exact values can vary by lab. Low iron levels may indicate anemia or poor absorption, while very high levels could suggest conditions like hemochromatosis or excessive intake. Your provider will discuss results in the context of your overall health.

Reference range

NCBI: Serum Iron Male 65-180; Female 50-170 µg/dLN/A

Specimen: serum

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

Total Iron

Frequently asked questions

What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Low iron levels can result from blood loss (e.g., heavy periods, injuries), poor diet, or conditions like celiac disease or chronic inflammation. High iron levels may stem from genetic disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis), excessive red blood cell breakdown, or iron-rich supplements.
How Might My Doctor Use These Results?
Your doctor may recommend treatments like dietary changes, supplements (iron or folate), or blood transfusions if iron deficiency is confirmed. For high iron levels, they might suggest reducing intake of iron-rich foods or medications and monitoring for complications like organ damage.
Can I Avoid This Test?
No, this test is often necessary for diagnosing or managing iron-related conditions. If you’re unsure about your test results, ask your healthcare provider for clarification or further testing if needed.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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