What is the Iron Status test?

The Iron Status blood test is a comprehensive panel that evaluates how iron is absorbed, transported, stored and utilised in the body. Rather than relying on a single marker, it combines multiple iron-related biomarkers to give a more accurate clinical picture.

This panel includes:

• Iron – circulating iron in the blood
• Ferritin – stored iron levels
• Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) – the blood’s capacity to bind iron
• Transferrin – the main iron transport protein
• Transferrin Saturation – percentage of transferrin carrying iron

Together, these markers help distinguish between true iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, inflammation-related changes and iron overload.

Why do I need an Iron Status test?

Iron imbalance can cause significant symptoms and long-term health issues if not identified correctly. A full iron status panel avoids misdiagnosis based on a single result.

You may need an Iron Status test if you:

• Feel tired or weak
• Have suspected anaemia
• Have heavy menstrual bleeding
• Are pregnant or postpartum
• Have digestive disorders affecting absorption
• Have chronic inflammation or infection
• Have abnormal ferritin results
• Are being monitored for iron overload

Symptoms associated with abnormal iron status include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Hair thinning
• Headaches
• Reduced exercise tolerance

Benefits of the Iron Status test

• Comprehensive iron assessment
  Evaluates storage, transport and utilisation.
• Improves anaemia diagnosis accuracy
  Differentiates iron deficiency from inflammation.
• Detects early iron depletion
  Identifies deficiency before haemoglobin drops.
• Identifies iron overload risk
  Highlights excess iron accumulation.
• Guides safe supplementation
  Prevents unnecessary iron intake.
• Useful in pregnancy and women’s health
  Addresses common iron imbalance causes.
• Clinically established panel
  Used in primary and specialist care.
• Single blood test
  Multiple insights from one sample.

Step by step – how the test works

You can access Iron Status testing UK-wide through two options:

1. Clinic appointment
   Attend your nearest UK clinic where a healthcare professional will take your blood sample.
2. At-home or hotel visit (£60 extra)
   A qualified phlebotomist comes to your home or hotel, so you don’t need to travel.

Your sample is analysed in an accredited UK laboratory and results are delivered securely.

Your results explained

Low iron status

• Low ferritin
• Low iron
• High TIBC
• Low transferrin saturation

Typical UK interpretation:

• Ferritin: < 30 µg/L
• Transferrin saturation: < 20%

Normal iron status

• Balanced iron, ferritin, transferrin and saturation

Typical UK interpretation:

• Ferritin: 30–300 µg/L
• Transferrin saturation: 20–45%

High iron status

• High ferritin
• High iron
• Low TIBC
• High transferrin saturation

Typical UK interpretation:

• Ferritin: > 300 µg/L
• Transferrin saturation: > 45%

Results should always be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical context.