Interpret Your Serum Iron Results
Enter your Fe value below and get an instant, free AI interpretation — a plain-English explanation checked against WHO/IFCC reference ranges.
Medical Disclaimer
This AI-generated interpretation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual health factors not captured here.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Read full disclaimer →
Serum Iron Normal Ranges
Serum iron measures the amount of iron circulating in the bloodstream bound to transferrin.
| Age Group | Sex | Reference Range | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18–64) | Male | 65 – 175 | µg/dL | — |
| Adults (18–64) | Female | 50 – 170 | µg/dL | — |
Also reported in: µmol/L.
Why Doctors Order the Serum Iron Test
Serum iron alone is insufficient to diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload. The transferrin saturation (serum iron ÷ TIBC × 100%) is a more useful derived value: low saturation (<20%) confirms iron-deficient erythropoiesis; high saturation (>45–50%) suggests iron overload and triggers testing for hemochromatosis (HFE gene mutations).
How to Enter Your Fe Result
Serum Iron can be reported in µg/dL or µmol/L. Choose the unit printed next to your result on the lab report so it is compared with the matching reference range.
Reference ranges for Fe differ between men and women, so entering your sex gives a more accurate reading.
What a Low or High Fe Can Be Associated With
Below the reference range
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Anemia of chronic disease / inflammation
- Chronic blood loss
Above the reference range
- Hemochromatosis (hereditary iron overload)
- Iron overload from multiple blood transfusions
- Liver disease (iron released from damaged cells)
- Iron supplementation or infusion
- Hemolysis (iron released from red cells)
These are common associations, not a diagnosis. A single result is read alongside your symptoms, history and other tests — discuss it with your doctor.
What Can Change Your Fe Result
Before you read too much into a result, consider whether any of these applied:
- Time of day (morning values are 20–30% higher than afternoon — standardize timing)
- Recent dietary iron intake (raises serum iron transiently)
- Inflammation and infection (acute phase reaction lowers serum iron)
- Recent blood transfusion (raises serum iron)
Preparing for the test: Draw in the morning (7–10 AM) after fasting for 12 hours — serum iron has a strong diurnal variation and rises after meals. Avoid iron supplements for 24 hours before testing.
Symptoms That Often Prompt Fe Testing
- Iron deficiency: fatigue, pallor, brittle nails, hair loss
- Iron overload (hemochromatosis): liver disease, diabetes, joint pain, skin bronzing, hypogonadism
Want the full clinical guide to Serum Iron?
Reference ranges, causes, symptoms, preparation, and FAQs.