IronReported in µg/dLSerum iron
The amount of iron circulating in the blood, almost all of it bound to transferrin. It moves during the day and after meals.
What it measures
Serum iron is a snapshot of iron in transit. Levels tend to be higher in the morning and lower later, and a recent iron-rich meal or a supplement can bump the result. That is why a single iron level is a poor measure of stores, and why it is paired with UIBC. The adult interval on this panel is broad, reflecting that normal variation.
Why it is on the panel
Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency behind anemia, especially in people who menstruate and in people with low dietary iron. A high iron is the clue that points the other way, toward overload or a supplement that is ahead of need. Either finding connects directly to the red cell indices.
How to read it
Do not interpret serum iron alone. Pair it with UIBC and the CBC. Morning draws are the most comparable from visit to visit. If you take an iron supplement, the result may reflect the pill more than your stores. Mention that when you look at the report.
When it runs higher
Iron supplements, recent transfusion, hemochromatosis and other overload states, and liver injury releasing stored iron can raise serum iron. A high iron with a low UIBC is the combination that deserves follow-up rather than another bottle of supplements.
When it runs lower
Iron deficiency from menstrual loss, pregnancy, low intake, or hidden blood loss lowers serum iron, usually with a high UIBC and, over time, a falling hemoglobin and MCV. Chronic inflammation can lower serum iron too, often with a low or typical UIBC. The CBC pattern helps separate those.
Same group
Other Iron tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Iron
Iron is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.