Iron
supplementA mineral supplement for iron deficiency, best taken after a ferritin or blood test confirms a need.
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Lab test
What does an iron panel measure, and what are the normal ranges?
An iron panel measures serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation, often alongside ferritin, to check for too little or too much iron. ARUP Laboratories lists adult serum iron of 45 to 182 mcg/dL for men and 28 to 170 mcg/dL for women, and transferrin saturation of 20 to 50 percent.
What does the iron panel test measure?
Iron tests measure different substances in the blood to check iron levels. A panel commonly includes serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation, and is often ordered with ferritin. MedlinePlus
TIBC reflects how much iron the blood can carry, and transferrin saturation is the share of that capacity that is filled. MedlinePlus
Why is the iron panel test ordered?
- To check for iron deficiency anemia, other types of anemia, or iron overload such as hemochromatosis. MedlinePlus
- When a CBC or hemoglobin result is outside its range, or symptoms suggest low or high iron. MedlinePlus
What are typical iron panel ranges?
ARUP Laboratories publishes these intervals for its iron and iron binding capacity panel. ARUP Laboratories
Reference ranges differ between laboratories and testing methods, and many also differ by age, sex, pregnancy or the phase of the menstrual cycle. The range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result, and a clinician interprets it alongside your history.
| Component | Group | Reference interval |
|---|---|---|
| Serum iron | Men, 11 years and older | 45 to 182 mcg/dL |
| Serum iron | Women, 11 years and older | 28 to 170 mcg/dL |
| Total iron binding capacity | Adults, 18 years and older | 240 to 450 mcg/dL |
| Transferrin saturation | All | 20 to 50 percent |
What can affect iron panel results?
- You may be asked to fast for 12 hours before the test, which is usually done in the morning. MedlinePlus
- Certain medicines can lower or raise ferritin, which is often drawn with an iron panel, so tell the person ordering the test about everything you take. MedlinePlus
- Ask the person ordering the test whether you need to fast, stop any supplement, or schedule the draw at a particular time.
When should you talk to a clinician about a iron panel result?
- A clinician reads iron results together with your symptoms, age, history and other blood tests, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit and a CBC. MedlinePlus
DiscoverMedica explains what a test measures and what named sources publish. It does not interpret individual results; the clinician who ordered your test, or one you choose, does.
Where can you get a iron panel test?
A clinician can order it as part of routine or follow-up care. Some services also let you order lab tests yourself; check that a service’s panel includes this marker, which laboratory runs it, and who reviews the result with you.
- Function HealthAnnual membership for broad lab panels, drawn at Quest sites or at home.
- Quest HealthOrder individual lab tests from Quest Diagnostics online, without a doctor’s visit.
Iron Panel (Iron, TIBC): questions, answered
What is the difference between an iron panel and a ferritin test?
Ferritin reflects iron held in storage. An iron panel measures the iron circulating in the blood, how much iron the blood can carry (TIBC) and how much of that capacity is used (transferrin saturation). MedlinePlus notes they are often ordered together because each answers a different part of the iron question.
What is a normal transferrin saturation?
ARUP Laboratories lists a transferrin saturation reference interval of 20 to 50 percent. Other laboratories may print a slightly different range on their reports. A value outside the range is one input among several, and a clinician interprets it with ferritin, hemoglobin and your history.
Should I fast before an iron panel?
Often, yes. MedlinePlus says your provider may ask you to fast for 12 hours and that iron tests are usually done in the morning. Confirm with whoever orders the test, and mention any supplements that contain iron. The panel is often ordered with ferritin, which MedlinePlus says may also call for a 12-hour fast.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Iron Tests
- ARUP Laboratories: Iron and Iron Binding Capacity (test 0020420)
- MedlinePlus: Ferritin Blood Test
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Every source above was checked on or before that date. Educational information only, not medical advice; it does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.
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