Iron

About This Test
Serum iron shows how much iron is circulating in your blood at the time of the test. Iron is essential for hemoglobin (oxygen transport), energy production, brain function, and healthy hair/skin. Levels change through the day and drop with recent illness or poor intake, so doctors often pair this with ferritin, TIBC, and transferrin saturation for a fuller picture. This test is commonly included in routine check-ups to screen for potential problems early.

Patient Preparation
Fasting for 10 hours before the test, water only. Avoid iron tablets and multivitamins the morning of the test unless instructed otherwise.

Best Time to Test
Morning

Tests Included
Iron

Why is it done
Work-up of tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath, hair loss, brittle nails, or restless legs; identifying iron deficiency before or with anemia; monitoring response to iron therapy; assessing possible iron overload (e.g., hemochromatosis) when high, especially with elevated transferrin saturation.