Iron (Serum) – Prescribed Medication Monitoring
This test measures the amount of iron in your blood, often checked if you’re taking iron supplements or have conditions that may affect iron levels.
["Iron levels help ensure your body has enough iron to make healthy red blood cells and prevent deficiencies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72064-9
- Short code
- ORALIRONPRESCRIBED
- Synonyms
- —
- 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
- Method
- esrd
- 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 Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking iron supplements (like oral iron) to treat conditions such as anemia, low iron stores, or certain blood disorders. It may also be used to monitor how well your body is absorbing iron or to check for iron overload in rare cases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. If you’re taking oral iron, your doctor may ask you to stop temporarily to avoid interference with test results.
What the Results Mean
Low iron levels can cause fatigue, weakness, or pale skin, while very high levels may lead to symptoms like nausea or organ damage. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Linked to Iron Levels
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of low iron levels and can result from poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, or conditions like celiac disease or stomach ulcers that affect iron absorption.
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 are important for diagnosing and managing anemia, preventing complications from iron overload (like hemochromatosis), and ensuring proper function of organs such as the heart and liver.
Short name
Iron Level (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What causes iron levels to be checked before starting oral iron?
How long does it take to get results after the test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the blood draw?
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