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The Serum Iron test measures the amount of iron currently circulating in the blood, bound to the transport protein transferrin....
Also known as: Serum Iron Test · Blood Iron Test · Iron Level Test · Fe Test · Serum Fe
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*Inclusive of home collection charges
The Serum Iron test measures the amount of iron currently circulating in the blood, bound to the transport protein transferrin. While ferritin reflects stored iron, serum iron reflects the iron in active circulation at the time of the blood draw. Serum iron is most clinically useful when interpreted alongside TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity) and ferritin — together forming the Iron Studies panel, which provides the most complete picture of iron metabolism and is the standard workup for suspected iron deficiency or overload. 8–12 hours fasting is recommended for the most accurate result.
Key benefits of this package include:
What Does the Iron Test (Serum Iron) Measure?
| Level / Result | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Low Iron + High TIBC + Low Transferrin Sat (< 15%) + Low Ferritin | Classic iron deficiency — iron stores and circulating iron both depleted |
| Low Iron + Normal/Low TIBC + Normal/High Ferritin | Anaemia of chronic disease — iron is trapped in stores due to inflammation; not available for erythropoiesis |
| Normal Iron + Normal TIBC + Normal Ferritin | Normal iron metabolism |
| High Iron + Low TIBC + High Transferrin Sat (> 50%) + High Ferritin | Iron overload — hereditary haemochromatosis, haemosiderosis, or excessive supplementation |
| Low Iron + Low TIBC + Low Ferritin | Malnutrition or combined deficiency — protein malnutrition reduces transferrin production alongside iron depletion |
Important Note: Serum iron alone is insufficient for complete iron assessment — it must be interpreted alongside TIBC, transferrin saturation, and ferritin. Diurnal variation, recent iron intake, and acute illness all affect serum iron. For the most clinically meaningful iron assessment, the full Iron Studies panel (serum iron + TIBC + ferritin) should be requested. All results should be reviewed by a physician.
Iron Deficiency vs. Anaemia of Chronic Disease — The Most Important Iron Distinction: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and Anaemia of Chronic Disease (ACD) both present with low haemoglobin but require completely opposite treatments — IDA responds to iron supplementation while giving iron in ACD can be harmful (iron feeds inflammatory processes and some pathogens). The iron studies pattern cleanly differentiates them: IDA shows low ferritin + low serum iron + high TIBC + low transferrin saturation. ACD shows normal/high ferritin + low/normal serum iron + normal/low TIBC + normal/low transferrin saturation. Getting this distinction right is clinically critical.
Trusted by millions of Customers across South India — these are the tests our doctors recommend most.
Screens for anaemia, infections, and immune health
