Serum Iron Blood Test. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
Serum Iron Blood Test – a laboratory analysis of biological fluid to assess iron metabolism, detect iron deficiency, and determine its form if present.
Serum Iron Blood Test – a laboratory analysis of biological fluid to assess iron metabolism, detect iron deficiency, and determine its form if present.
General Information
Iron is a key trace element that transports oxygen to tissues. About 80% is bound to porphyrins, 10% to myoglobin, 1% aids respiratory catalysis, and the rest forms reserves. Reserves are stored in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver as insoluble hemosiderin and soluble ferritin.
Measured in µmol/L, normal ranges are:
- Newborns up to 1 year: 7.16-17.90;
- 1-14 years: 8.095-21.48;
- Girls/teen girls and women: 8.94-30.43;
- Boys and men: 11.64-30.43.
Elevated levels may indicate:
- Hemochromatosis – a genetic disorder with iron accumulation in tissues/organs;
- Thalassemia – reduced hemoglobin;
- Nephritis – kidney inflammation;
- Acute/chronic hepatitis – liver inflammation;
- Anemia – low hemoglobin/erythrocyte concentration;
- Acute leukemia – blood cancer.
High levels may also result from excessive dietary iron, mineral supplements, certain drugs, or lead intoxication.
Low levels occur with insufficient intake or excessive use (e.g., pregnancy, breastfeeding, heavy bleeding), infections, anemia, cancer, or hypothyroidism.
Indications for Serum Iron Testing
Ordered by a general practitioner, nephrologist, gastroenterologist, hematologist, surgeon, or rheumatologist for unexplained weight loss, fatigue, jaundice, dry mouth, shortness of breath, or arrhythmia.
Abnormal prior hemoglobin, erythrocyte, or hematocrit results also warrant testing.
How the Serum Iron Test Is Performed
A specialist draws venous blood in the morning on an empty stomach. The patient sits, resting an arm on a flat surface. A tourniquet is applied above the elbow, and after 10-15 minutes of blood flow activation, a syringe collects the sample. The puncture site is sealed with a bandage. The procedure takes no more than 5 minutes. Water is allowed 12 hours prior, but tea, coffee, juices, etc., are prohibited.
Blood collection is recommended before 10 a.m.
Discontinue medications a week prior; if impossible, note their names, schedule, and dosage on the form.
Avoid alcohol 24 hours before and smoking an hour before submission.
Processing Time for Serum Iron Test
In lab conditions, serum iron concentration is determined within 1-3 hours. Results are usually available the next day.
Prices and Clinics
Some labs provide same-day results. A list of diagnostic centers offering these services is on the website.
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