Iron mass concentration in serum/plasma
This test measures the amount of iron present in your blood, which is important for making hemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.
["Iron levels help identify deficiencies or excesses that may affect energy, immune function, or other health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17025-8
- Short code
- Iron Wat-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Iron Wat-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 Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, weakness, or unusual tiredness, which can be signs of low iron. It may also be checked during pregnancy, before surgery, or if you have conditions like anemia or gastrointestinal bleeding.
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 it involves drawing blood. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near a clinic for the procedure.
How the Test Works
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab, where it is analyzed to measure the total amount of iron in your serum or plasma.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a mass concentration (e.g., micrograms per deciliter). Low levels may indicate iron deficiency, while very high levels could suggest conditions like hemochromatosis or excessive iron supplements.
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.
Iron levels play a critical role in preventing anemia and supporting overall health. Low iron can lead to fatigue, weakness, or impaired immune function, while high iron may increase risks like heart disease or liver damage if untreated.
Short name
Iron Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low iron levels?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I take iron supplements 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