Serum Prohepcidin Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of prohepcidin, a protein produced by your body that helps regulate iron levels in the blood.
["Prohepcidin helps assess iron metabolism and may indicate conditions affecting iron balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48497-2
- Short code
- Pro-hepcidin SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Pro-hepcidin SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 17
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if they suspect an iron-related disorder, such as anemia, chronic inflammation, or conditions affecting iron absorption. It can also be part of evaluating unexplained fatigue or other symptoms linked to iron metabolism.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding, let your doctor know.
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your overall health and symptoms. Elevated levels may suggest conditions like anemia or inflammation, while lower levels could indicate iron deficiency or other metabolic issues.
This test is not typically used alone for diagnosis but may be part of a broader evaluation when iron-related symptoms or findings are present.
Common Conditions Monitored
Prohepcidin levels are often checked in patients with suspected iron overload disorders, chronic kidney disease, or conditions causing abnormal iron release (e.g., hemochromatosis). It can also help monitor response to treatments for iron-related anemia.
Reference range
NCBI: NSE 0-17 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Prohepcidin is a biomarker for iron regulatory pathways. Elevated levels may reflect increased erythropoietin (EPO) stimulation or iron-responsive conditions, while suppressed levels could indicate iron deficiency or impaired iron transport mechanisms. Your doctor will correlate results with clinical findings and other tests.
Short name
Prohepcidin Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a high prohepcidin level mean?
What does a low prohepcidin level mean?
Can diet affect prohepcidin 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