Blood sample
According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. Iron tests assist in detecting iron metabolism disorders.
Significance
Iron is a mineral with vital functions in the body. About 70 percent of the body's total iron is associated with hemoglobin (Hb), the protein enabling red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues.
Indications
A physician orders an iron test-checking for serum iron, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation-when diagnostic tests suggest abnormalities.
Serum iron
Serum iron is the amount of iron bound to transferrin in the watery portion of the blood. Normal values range from 50 to 175 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) for men, 40 to 150 mcg/dL for women and 50 to 120 mcg/dL for children.
TIBC Normal Values
Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) refers to the amount of iron required to bind to the transferrin blood protein. Iron tests typically include this value. Normal results for men and women range from 250 to 400 mcg/dL.
Transferrin Normal Values
Transferrin saturation refers to the percentage of transferrin actually bound to iron. Normal values range between 10 and 50 percent per men and 15 to 50 percent for women.
Considerations
Results vary slightly from lab to lab. Also, certain factors can affect results, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies; iron supplements; Vitamin B12 taken within 48 hours of the test; sleep deprivation; stress; and recent blood transfusions.
Tags: amount iron, Iron tests, iron-binding capacity, Normal Values, Normal values range, range from, Serum iron
