Serum iron normal range: understanding your iron profile

Serum Iron – Normal range chart

Ranges differ a little from lab to lab.

What does my result mean?

What this test checks

The test measures iron in the blood in µg/dL (micrograms per decilitre). TIBC shows how much iron your blood could carry, and saturation shows how full that capacity is. Together with ferritin, they help the doctor tell iron deficiency apart from other causes of anaemia. It is advised for anaemia, tiredness, heavy periods, pregnancy and some long-term illnesses. How often to repeat it depends on your treatment and your doctor.

Common reasons for a high value

• Taking iron tablets or injections shortly before the test
• Repeated blood transfusions
• Inherited iron overload (haemochromatosis)
• Some liver problems
• Fast breakdown of red blood cells

Common reasons for a low value

• Low iron in the diet
• Heavy periods or slow blood loss from the stomach or bowel
• Pregnancy
• Infection, inflammation or long-term illness
• Poor absorption of iron from the gut

How to prepare

A morning sample after 8–12 hours of fasting is often preferred, because iron levels change through the day and after meals. If you take iron tablets, ask your doctor whether to skip the dose for a day before the test.

This page is general information, not medical advice. The normal range printed on your own report is the one that applies, and only a doctor can tell what your result means for you.