Laboratory test
Iron Profile Test
Iron Profile Test: 4 parameters from a blood sample, fasting required.
Also known as
Iron Studies Panel
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Required (8–10 hours)
- Expected report time
- 24–48 hours
- Parameters
- 4
What is the Iron Profile Test?
An Iron Profile is a group of blood tests — serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation and ferritin — that together assess your body's iron stores and how iron is carried in the blood. It is one of the most useful panels for finding the cause of anaemia.
What does the Iron Profile Test measure?
4 parameters. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.
Iron Profile4 parameters
| Parameter | Unit | Catalogue method | LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Iron | µg/dL | Photometry (Ferene / FerroZine colorimetric method) | 2498-4 |
| Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) | µg/dL | Photometry (Direct / calculated from Iron + UIBC) | 2500-7 |
| Transferrin Saturation % | % | Derived from Iron and TIBC values (Iron / TIBC × 100) | 2502-3 |
| Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) | µg/dL | Derived from TIBC and Iron values (UIBC = TIBC - Iron) | 2501-5 |
The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.
When is the Iron Profile Test commonly ordered?
- Iron-deficiency anaemia
- Cause of low haemoglobin
- Monitoring iron therapy
- Suspected iron overload
- Fatigue evaluation
Understanding your results
Low ferritin and transferrin saturation with a high TIBC point to iron-deficiency anaemia, the commonest nutritional deficiency in India. High iron or ferritin can suggest iron overload, infection or inflammation. Results are read together with a CBC and your symptoms by your doctor.
Clinically reviewed educational guidance. Use the reference interval on your actual report for interpretation.
- Serum iron (adult): 60-170 µg/dL
- TIBC: 240-450 µg/dL
- Transferrin saturation: 20-50%
- Ferritin (men): 30-400 ng/mL
- Ferritin (women): 15-150 ng/mL
An abnormal laboratory result is not a diagnosis on its own. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, medical history, medicines and other investigations.
Iron Profile Test: sample & preparation
Sample: Blood. Fasting: Required (8–10 hours).
- Please fast (no food, only water) for 8 to 10 hours before this test, and have the sample taken in the morning as iron levels vary through the day. Do not take iron supplements on the morning of the test.
- Give the sample in the morning, ideally fasting for 8-10 hours
- Avoid iron supplements for 24-48 hours before the test unless your doctor advises otherwise
Iron Profile Test in your city
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Iron Profile Test cost?
Can I book this test for home collection?
When is the report expected?
Can I book this with other tests?
Should I stop iron tablets before the test?
Can the iron profile diagnose anaemia on its own?
Book the Iron Profile Test
4 parameters · Fasting: Required (8–10 hours) · Report time: 24–48 hours
View booking benefitsSave ₹1,400
Test price