Iron Studies (Iron Panel)
Also known as: Iron panel, Iron profile, Serum ferritin with TIBC
Iron studies go beyond a simple iron level to measure the body's full iron storage and transport system — serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and TIBC — giving a complete picture of iron status.
Venous blood (morning draw, serum separator tube)
24–48 hours
Required
Vitamins & Minerals
Morning draw after overnight fast gives the most consistent serum iron levels — iron fluctuates by up to 30% throughout the day.
Reference Ranges
| Measurement | Reference Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Serum iron (men) | 65 – 175 | mcg/dL |
| Serum iron (women) | 50 – 170 | mcg/dL |
| Ferritin (men) | 30 – 400 | ng/mL |
| Ferritin (women) | 13 – 150 | ng/mL |
| TIBC | 250 – 370 | mcg/dL |
| Transferrin saturation | 20 – 50 | % |
Reference ranges are typical adult values. Your laboratory may use slightly different intervals — always use your lab's reported reference.
What This Test Measures
Serum iron is the circulating iron bound to transferrin. Ferritin is the body's iron storage protein — the best single marker for total iron stores. TIBC (total iron-binding capacity) reflects the amount of transferrin available to carry iron — it rises when the body is hungry for iron. Transferrin saturation (iron ÷ TIBC × 100) tells you how full your transport system is.
When Is This Test Ordered?
- Investigating suspected iron-deficiency anaemia
- Differentiating iron deficiency from anaemia of chronic disease
- Screening for iron overload (haemochromatosis)
- Monitoring iron replacement therapy
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or chronic blood loss evaluation
When Results Are High
High ferritin with high transferrin saturation (above 45%) suggests iron overload — most commonly hereditary haemochromatosis. High ferritin alone (without high saturation) is often an acute-phase reaction (inflammation, liver disease, metabolic syndrome) and does not mean iron overload.
When Results Are Low
Low ferritin is the most sensitive marker of iron depletion — it falls before serum iron or haemoglobin. Ferritin below 30 ng/mL in a symptomatic patient (fatigue, hair loss, restless legs, poor concentration) is usually treated as iron deficiency even if haemoglobin is still normal.
Iron pattern interpretation
| Pattern | Ferritin | Serum Iron | TIBC | Sat% | Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron deficiency | Low | Low | High | Low (<20%) | Iron-deficiency anaemia |
| Chronic disease | Normal/High | Low | Normal/Low | Low | Anaemia of chronic disease |
| Iron overload | High | High | Normal/Low | High (>45%) | Haemochromatosis |
| Acute inflammation | High | Low | Low | Low | Acute-phase response |
Factors That Can Affect Your Result
- Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant — inflammation of any kind raises it, masking true iron deficiency
- Recent iron supplementation (within 24 hours) raises serum iron falsely
- Oral contraceptives lower TIBC
- Vitamin C enhances non-haem iron absorption and can affect results if taken before the draw
Tracking This Test Over Time
When monitoring iron replacement therapy, recheck ferritin 3–4 months after starting treatment. Haemoglobin rises within 4–8 weeks, but ferritin takes longer to replenish stores. Target ferritin above 50 ng/mL for symptom resolution in most patients.
Track your Iron Studies in LoomsRelated Tests
Medical disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reference ranges vary between laboratories, and results must be interpreted in the context of your symptoms, history, and other tests. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider. Content reviewed by the Looms medical team, 2026-06-01.