Iron Studies
A focused test for Ferritin, TIBC, Transferrin.
Overview
Measures Ferritin, TIBC, Transferrin. A single-sample test processed at an NABL-accredited lab, with reports in 6 hours and a free doctor review.
The full panel
3 tests across 1 groupEvery parameter, grouped by body system — no clicking to expand.
What this test measures
Four numbers that together describe iron supply and iron storage. Serum iron is what is circulating right now; TIBC (total iron-binding capacity) measures how much spare carrying capacity the transport protein transferrin has; transferrin saturation is the ratio of the two; and ferritin reflects the iron actually banked in your tissues.
A haemoglobin result tells you that you are anaemic; iron studies tell you whether iron is the reason. They are ordered to confirm suspected iron deficiency, to distinguish it from the anaemia of chronic disease or thalassaemia trait, to check response to iron treatment, and — from the other direction — to investigate iron overload.
Symptoms that lead to this test
- Tiredness, breathlessness on exertion or palpitations
- Pale skin, brittle nails or hair fall
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Restless legs at night, or unusual cravings for ice or clay (pica)
- A low haemoglobin or small red cells (low MCV) on a previous CBC
Understanding your results
Classic iron deficiency shows a low ferritin with a low serum iron, a HIGH TIBC and a low transferrin saturation. The catch is ferritin: it is also an acute-phase protein, so infection, inflammation, liver disease and malignancy raise it, and a 'normal' ferritin in someone with active inflammation does not exclude iron deficiency — which is why CRP is often measured with it. At the other end, a high transferrin saturation with a high ferritin raises the question of iron overload or haemochromatosis and needs specialist assessment. In adult men and post-menopausal women, newly found iron deficiency is investigated for a source of blood loss rather than simply supplemented.
Indicative only. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and between testing methods, and shift with age, sex and pregnancy — always read your own result against the range printed on your own report, with the doctor who ordered it.
| Parameter | Indicative range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Serum iron | 65–175 (men) · 50–170 (women) | µg/dL |
| TIBC | 250–450 | µg/dL |
| Transferrin saturation | 20–50 | % |
| Ferritin | 24–336 (men) · 11–307 (women) | ng/mL |
Why the preparation matters
Take the sample in the morning after an overnight fast where possible, and — importantly — do not take an iron tablet or a multivitamin containing iron for at least 24 hours beforehand. Serum iron rises steeply within hours of a dose and can turn a genuinely deficient result into a falsely reassuring one. Serum iron also has a daily rhythm, running highest in the morning, so consistent timing makes repeat tests comparable.
Who should consider this test
- Anyone found to be anaemic, before starting iron
- Women with heavy periods, and pregnant women
- Vegetarians and vegans, and frequent blood donors
- Anyone with coeliac disease, IBD or after bariatric surgery
- People on iron treatment, to confirm stores have refilled
Conditions it helps detect
How home collection works
Patient stories
96% recommend“The phlebotomist arrived exactly on time and was gentle. My report came in five hours with a doctor’s note.”
“Booked at night, sample collected next morning. The parameter breakdown is genuinely thorough.”
“Loved the free doctor review — she walked me through my vitamin D and thyroid results clearly.”