Iron Deficiency Blood Test in Arizona

What this test measures

Iron is absorbed from food and transported in the blood bound to a protein called transferrin. The body stores surplus iron in ferritin, mainly in the liver. Because iron moves between these compartments, a single measurement gives only part of the picture.

A common iron panel includes serum iron, ferritin, transferrin or total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation. Ferritin is the most widely used marker of stored iron, although it can rise with inflammation. Results are compared with reference ranges and read together with a complete blood count.

Providers order iron testing for fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or shortness of breath, and when monitoring known iron deficiency, chronic illness, or suspected iron overload. Some medications and recent iron supplements can affect results, so sharing that information helps with interpretation. A qualified healthcare provider should evaluate the findings.