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Serum Iron
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?The serum iron test measures the amount of iron in serum, the liquid portion of blood. Iron is an essential trace element. It is necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your body, and some enzymes, which perform tasks in your body.
The amount of iron in a person's blood varies throughout the day. Serum iron is almost always measured with the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), from which the transferrin saturation is calculated. The transferrin saturation is a more reliable measure of iron deficiency and iron overload than measuring iron by itself.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is drawn by needle from a vein in your arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
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This article was last reviewed on
March 10, 2006.
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