Nutrients system

Iron (serum)

Iron

The amount of iron currently circulating in blood.

What is it

Iron (serum) — in plain English.

Serum iron measures iron bound to transferrin in circulation. It varies through the day and is interpreted alongside ferritin, TIBC, and iron saturation.

Why it's measured

What Iron can reveal.

Iron status is essential to red blood cell production, energy, and oxygen transport in published research.

Reference range

Where most laboratories draw the standard line.

Standard laboratory reference

60 – 170 μg/dL

Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.

What results may indicate

Higher vs. lower Iron — at a high level.

Elevated

Has been associated with iron overload conditions in research literature.

Lower

Has been associated with iron deficiency in published research.

These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.

When it's measured

When Iron is typically run.

Part of iron studies, alongside ferritin and TIBC.

Related markers

Often measured alongside Iron.

Measured in

Iron is one of 160 biomarkers in the Apex Panel.

A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.

Explore the Apex Panel
160 biomarkers13 body systemsPhysician-reviewed
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This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.