Thursday, February, 09, 2012

Serum iron

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Fe+2; Ferric ion; Fe++; Ferrous ion; Iron - serum


Normal Values
  • Iron: 60-170 mcg/dL
  • TIBC : 240-450 mcg/dL
  • Transferrin saturation: 20-50%

Note: mcg/dl = micrograms per deciliter

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.


What abnormal results mean

Higher-than-normal levels may mean:

  • Hemochromatosis
  • Hemolysis
  • Hemolytic anemias
  • Hemosiderosis
  • Liver tissue death (hepatic necrosis)
  • Hepatitis
  • Vitamin B-12 deficiency, vitamin B-6 deficiency
  • Iron poisoning
  • Many blood transfusions

Lower-than-normal levels may mean:

  • Chronic gastrointestinal blood loss
  • Chronic heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Poor absorption of iron
  • Not enough dietary iron
  • Pregnancy

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

  • Anemia of chronic disease

Images

Review Date: 03/21/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)