Iron studies
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Iron studies are a group of blood tests that measure the amount of iron in your body and how well your body is storing and using iron. They help doctors check for iron deficiency (too little iron) or iron overload (too much iron).
Key facts
- Iron is essential for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Iron studies usually include serum iron, ferritin (iron stores), transferrin (iron transport), and TIBC (total iron-binding capacity).
- Abnormal iron levels can lead to anemia or other health problems, but both low and high iron are treatable.
Iron problems are very common worldwide. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency, affecting millions of people. Iron overload is less common but can run in families.
Iron deficiency affects people of all ages, but especially women with heavy periods, pregnant women, young children, and people with poor diets or certain digestive conditions. Iron overload often affects people with a genetic condition called hereditary hemochromatosis, typically diagnosed in middle age.