Iron, Serum

This test measures the concentration of iron in the blood.

• Check for iron deficiency anaemia, which is a condition in which there is not enough iron in the blood to produce enough red blood cells.
• It provides essential information for healthcare providers to plan appropriate interventions.
• Check for iron overload, which is a condition in which there is too much iron in the blood.
• Monitor the response to treatment for iron deficiency anaemia or iron overload.

The iron serum test is recommended for people who:

• Have symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
• Have a risk of iron deficiency anaemia, such as pregnant women, people with heavy menstrual bleeding, and people with chronic inflammatory conditions.
• Have a history of iron overload.

Abnormal results may indicate conditions like iron deficiency anaemia or hemochromatosis (iron overload). Further investigations and consultation with a healthcare provider are typically recommended to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

The Iron, Serum Test involves a routine blood draw. A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm. The procedure is generally quick and minimally uncomfortable.

In some cases, fasting may be required before the test. Patients are advised to follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider, including whether they need to abstain from food or medications.

Additional tests that may be ordered alongside the Iron, Serum Test include a complete blood count (CBC), ferritin test, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test. These tests provide a more comprehensive assessment of iron-related parameters.

The Iron, Serum Test is also known as

• Serum Iron Test
• Serum Fe Test

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which there is not enough iron in the blood to produce enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, and without enough iron, your body cannot make enough hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen. Some people are at increased risk for iron deficiency anemia, including women who have heavy menstrual periods, pregnant women, people with chronic blood loss, such as from ulcers or Crohn's disease, people with certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or kidney failure and people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Hemochromatosis, also known as iron overload, is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat. This excess iron is stored in the liver, heart, pancreas, and other organs, where it can damage tissues and lead to serious health problems. Many people with hemochromatosis do not have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often mild and may not be noticeable. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, joint pain, unexplained weight loss, skin pigmentation changes, such as a bronze or grayish skin tone, loss of libido, heart problems, including heart failure and arrhythmias, liver problems, including cirrhosis and liver cancer and diabetes.