Serum Iron

Alternative names:

Fe++; Fe+2; ferric ion; ferrous ion; iron - serum

Normal values:

• iron: 60 to 170 mcg/dl
• TIBC: 240 to 450 mcg/dl
• transferrin saturation: 20-50%

Note: mcg/dl = micrograms per deciliter

What abnormal results mean:

Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:

• hemochromatosis
• hemolysis
• hemolytic anemias
• hemosiderosis
• hepatic (liver) necrosis (tissue death)
• hepatitis
• ineffective erythropoiesis (e.g., vitamin B12 deficiency, vitamin B6 deficiency)
• iron poisoning
• lead toxicity (lead poisoning)

Lower-than-normal levels may indicate:

• chronic gastrointestinal blood loss
• chronic heavy menstrual bleeding
• inadequate absorption of iron
• insufficient dietary iron
• iron deficiency anemia
• malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract)
• nephrosis
• pregnancy (late)

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• anemia of chronic disease
• Goodpasture's syndrome