Iron & Ferritin Test-ImageIron & Ferritin Test

🧪 Iron & Ferritin Test

Assesses your body’s iron stores to detect iron-deficiency anemia or iron overload.

 

 

🔍 What is it?


An Iron & Ferritin Test measures how much iron is in your blood and how well your body is storing it. Iron is essential for making haemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen in your red blood cells.

 

This test is key for identifying iron deficiency anaemia, one of the most common causes of fatigue ,or iron overload conditions like haemochromatosis.

 

 

📊 What does it measure?

MarkerWhat It Indicates
FerritinA protein that stores iron; low levels suggest low iron stores, high levels may indicate inflammation or overload
Serum IronAmount of iron in the blood at the time of the test
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)Measures how well your blood can carry iron
Transferrin SaturationShows the percentage of transferrin (iron transport protein) that is bound to iron

 

Ferritin is the most reliable single marker for iron deficiency.

 

 

❓ Why might I need it?
 

You might need an iron and ferritin test if you:

  • 😴 Feel constantly tired or weak
  • 😮‍💨 Experience shortness of breath or heart palpitations
  • 🧑🏻‍🦰 Have pale skin, brittle nails, or hair loss
  • 🩸 Have heavy periods
  • 🤰 Are pregnant
  • 🥦 Follow a vegetarian/vegan diet
  • 🛌 Have chronic fatigue, especially if other causes have been ruled out

  • 🧬 Have a family history of haemochromatosis or signs of iron overload (e.g., joint pain, liver issues)


     

 

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

 

  • Iron-deficiency anaemia
  • Chronic blood loss (e.g., heavy menstruation, ulcers)
  • Vitamin or mineral absorption problems (e.g., coeliac disease)
  • Haemochromatosis (iron overload disorder)
  • Chronic inflammation or infection (which can raise ferritin levels falsely)
     

 

 

📈 Typical Reference Ranges (NHS guidance):

MarkerNormal Range
Ferritin

Men: 30–300 µg/L

Women: 15–200 µg/L

Serum Iron10–30 µmol/L
Transferrin Saturation20–50%

Reference ranges can vary by lab and are best interpreted in context.

 

 

⏱️ How is it done?

 

  • A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm
  • The test takes a few minutes
  • Results are usually available within 1–2 working days

     

 

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

  • Iron & Ferritin test only: £40–£75

     
  • Often included in fatigue, anaemia, or general health panels

     

 

✅ Commonly combined with:

 

  • Full Blood Count (FBC) – For diagnosing anaemia
  • Vitamin B12 & Folate – Also important in blood production
  • Thyroid function test – If fatigue is present
  • CRP or ESR – To rule out chronic inflammation

     

 

📚 References:

  1. NHS UK – Iron deficiency anaemia
  2. NHS UK – Haemochromatosis
  3. Patient.info – Iron studies (serum iron, ferritin, TIBC)
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