Total Iron (Serum or Plasma)
This test measures the amount of iron present in your blood serum or plasma, which is important for assessing iron stores and preventing deficiencies.
["Iron levels help detect anemia or iron overload conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61226-7
- Short code
- Oat IgE/IgE total %
- Synonyms
- Oat IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of iron deficiency, such as fatigue, pale skin, or weakness, or if you have conditions like anemia, chronic illness, or excessive blood loss. It may also be used to monitor iron overload in people with certain genetic disorders or those receiving frequent blood transfusions.
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 involves a blood draw, but this depends on your provider’s instructions. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near the testing site for a short time.
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 slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range specific to your age, sex, and overall health. Low levels may indicate iron deficiency or anemia, while very high levels could suggest conditions like hemochromatosis or excessive iron supplements.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Total Iron Level
Frequently asked questions
Low total iron levels can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which may cause fatigue, weakness, and impaired immune function. High levels may indicate hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder causing iron buildup in organs, or other metabolic conditions requiring medical attention.
A low total iron level may signal iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. Your provider may recommend dietary changes, iron supplements, or further testing to identify the cause, such as blood loss from menstruation, gastrointestinal issues, or poor absorption.
High total iron levels may indicate hemochromatosis or other conditions causing excessive iron storage. Your provider may suggest lifestyle adjustments, blood donation, or monitoring to prevent damage to organs like the liver or heart.
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