What Is Iron in a Blood Test?

Q: What Is Iron in a Blood Test?

Serum iron explained: normal range 60-170 µg/dL, what it measures, why it fluctuates, and why it should be interpreted with ferritin and TIBC.

Serum iron measures the amount of iron circulating in your blood bound to transferrin.

Normal Range

Men: 60–170 µg/dL
Women: 30–160 µg/dL

Why It Fluctuates

Varies throughout the day (higher in morning)
Affected by recent meals
Not reliable as a single test

How to Interpret

Always check with ferritin (iron stores) and TIBC (transport capacity)
Low iron + high TIBC + low ferritin = iron deficiency
High iron + high ferritin + high saturation = iron overload

Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

Ratings summarize government-reported measures — they don't capture your personal needs. Visit the facility, ask about staffing and services, and use CMS checklists. This profile is informational only and is not a recommendation.

Compare lab testing options near you ↗ (affiliate link)