Iron
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
No special preparation needed.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
The serum iron test measures how much iron is circulating in your blood. Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen. It is usually read together with TIBC, transferrin saturation and ferritin to understand your iron status.
Why is this test done?
- Find iron deficiency, the most common cause of anaemia in India
- Check for iron overload
- Monitor iron tablets or injections
- Explain tiredness or pale skin
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Tiredness and weakness
- Pale skin, lips or nails
- Breathlessness on effort
- Hair fall and brittle nails
- Craving to eat mud, ice or chalk
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
High iron can mean too much iron is stored in the body or iron has been released from damaged cells.
Common reasons- Too many iron tablets or injections
- Repeated blood transfusions
- Haemochromatosis (inherited iron overload)
- Liver damage or haemolytic anaemia
If your result is low
Low iron usually means the body's iron stores are running low, often from poor diet or blood loss.
Common reasons- Poor intake of iron-rich food
- Heavy periods
- Pregnancy
- Bleeding from stomach or intestines, piles or worms
- Long-standing infection or inflammation
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if your doctor agrees, stop them for 24 hours, because a recent dose can raise the result.
Yes. Iron is highest in the morning, so a fasting morning sample gives the most reliable value.
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.