Iron (fe) test

This test measures the amount of iron in your blood. It is done on blood taken from a vein in your arm.

Too little iron can cause anemia, which can cause weakness, tiredness, or lack of stamina.

Too much iron can cause hemochromatosis. This is usually an inherited disease that can cause tiredness, weakness, liver problems, and pain in the joints.

An iron test is done to:

• Check for too much or too little iron in the blood.
• See if your child's diet is providing enough iron.
• Find out if treatment to keep the right amount of iron in your child's blood is working.

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

Make sure your child doesn't eat or drink (other than water) for 12 hours before the test. Your child will also need to avoid iron supplements for 12 to 24 hours before the test. The doctor will give you specific instructions. This test is often done first thing in the morning.

Normal

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

Values that may be checked include serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation.

High and low values

The values for serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation are used to see if a low amount of iron in the body is from iron deficiency anemia or another condition. The values are also used to see if a high amount of iron is caused by hemochromatosis or another condition. Other conditions that affect iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation levels include:

• Hemolytic anemia. This causes a low amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin found in red blood cells. The iron levels are usually high.
• Thalassemia. This is a blood disorder that runs in families (inherited). It changes how the body makes hemoglobin. The iron levels are often high, and ferritin levels may be high if the person has had a lot of blood transfusions.
• Cirrhosis. This is a condition that occurs when inflammation and scarring damage the liver.
• Lead poisoning. This develops from months or years of exposure to small amounts of lead in the environment.
• Iron deficiency anemia. This occurs when low iron levels cause a low amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in red blood cells. The iron levels are low, the transferrin saturation is high, and the ferritin level is low.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. This form of arthritis inflames the membranes or tissues lining the joints.
• Overuse of iron supplements.
• Bleeding.
• Kidney failure.
• Severe infection.