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Iron

The iron test is used to measure the amount of iron that is carried by transferrin, a protein that transports iron from the intestine to cells that use iron. The amount of iron within the blood varies throughout the day, and from one day to the next. An iron blood (serum) test is therefore not a useful measure of iron status if it is used on its own. Serum iron is therefore often requested in combination with other tests of iron status. Such tests include transferrin, ferritin, TIBC (total iron binding capacity) and UIBC (unbound iron binding capacity). Iron tests are requested if a doctor suspects iron poisoning, or conditions of excessive iron storage. Excessive iron storage can occur as a result of a genetic condition called hereditary haemochromatosis, however, it can also occur following multiple blood transfusions. If iron overload is suspected, both iron and transferrin concentrations are measured. Transferrin saturation can then be calculated to determine the extent of the iron overload. Transferrin saturation reflects the amount of iron being transported within the blood, and its capacity to carry more.

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