Does your body have the right amount of iron? Take this test to find out.
Iron is a mineral with several essential functions in the body. It constitutes the core of both hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to the muscles. Iron is also essential for growth, normal cell function, and the production of connective tissue and some hormones.
Low iron levels inhibit the production of hemoglobin, resulting in reduced red blood cells. When the body can’t supply enough red blood cells to meet its demands, it manifests as anemia, which affects an estimated two billion people around the globe.
Increased iron concentrations occur in hemochromatosis and acute liver disease. Excess iron cannot be naturally excreted from the body, so it accumulates in organs and tissues, eventually causing serious health complications.
Why consider this test?
Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. The people most at risk for iron deficiency are:
- Females due to blood (and iron) loss through menstruation
- Pregnant women, as double the usual amount is required during pregnancy
- Infants and young children, due to poor intake
- Teenagers, as they require adequate iron for growth spurts but often have poor diets
- Vegetarians and vegans, as iron from plant sources is not as easily absorbed as from animal sources
Hemochromatosisis the most common genetic disorder in people of European descent, affecting approximately 1 in 200 individuals, but early diagnosis and treatment prevents any of the health complications of hemochromatosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of iron deficiency include:
Fatigue
Pale skin
Headaches
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Symptoms of hemochromatosis include:
Fatigue
Memory problems
Depression
Shortness of breath
Joint pain
Low sex drive
What’s included in the Complete Iron Panel?

Iron
Iron is a mineral with several essential functions in the body. It is required to transport oxygen around the body and is also essential for growth, normal cell function, and the production of connective tissue and some hormones. Low iron levels inhibit the production of hemoglobin, resulting in reduced red blood cells and a condition called anemia, which affects an estimated two billion people around the globe. If left untreated, anemia can have serious repercussions, including impaired cognitive function, disturbances in the digestive system, and impaired immunity. Increased iron concentrations occur in hemochromatosis and acute liver disease. Excess iron cannot be naturally excreted from the body, so it accumulates in organs and tissues, eventually causing serious health complications, including heart failure, liver cirrhosis and disease, and endocrine problems.

Ferritin
Approximately 25% of the iron in a normal adult is present in a storage form, with the most common form being ferritin (accounting for about 2/3 of storage iron). Ferritin analyses provide a sensitive, specific, and reliable measurement for determining iron deficiency at an early stage. High ferritin levels may mean your body is absorbing and storing too much iron, while low levels are indicative of iron deficiency.

Transferrin Saturation
Transferrin is the main protein that binds to and transports iron around the body. Transferrin saturation is an estimate of how many of the transferrin iron-binding sites are occupied by iron. Average transferrin saturation is 25%. Below 20% indicates iron deficiency, and above 50% indicates iron overload, which can result in organ damage due to toxic non-transferrin bound iron.

TIBC
Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) refers to the total amount of iron that can be bound by proteins in the blood. Transferrin is the primary iron-binding protein; hence the TIBC measurement is a good indirect measurement of transferrin availability. High TIBC values indicate that the body’s iron supplies are low. Low TIBC values can indicate hemolytic anemia, hypoproteinemia (low blood protein), inflammation, liver disease, malnutrition, or sickle cell anemia.
How It Works
Step 1. Order your test.
Choose the test that matches your need from our large array of tests. The kit will be delivered to your doorstep. There is no need to leave the comfort of your home.
Step 2. Collect your sample.
Collect your sample using the included instructions. Return your sample using the prepaid, pre-addressed packaging provided.
Step 3. Access your results online
Your sample will be tested as soon as it arrives at our lab. Access your results securely online via TherizonConnect.

Use TherizonConnect to view your test results quickly and easily
The results are only available through TherizonConnect, a free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You can also share your results with your doctor, family, or friends.
Iron FAQ
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this test. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.
How does the Complete Iron Panel work?
Self-collect your sample following the detailed instructions included in the kit. Place your sample in the specimen bag provided and mail it back to the lab using the prepaid envelope inside the kit.
Our lab uses verified and approved chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays (CMIAs) and clinical chemistry assays to accurately measure the five biomarkers included in this test. Your results are available through our online portal as soon as testing is complete.
Will I receive any guidance with my results?
All result reports will include brief and easy to understand interpretations of each of the biomarkers tested. Background information is also available, but we recommend that you share your test results with your healthcare provider to obtain the most benefit from your test results.
Are there medical professionals involved in the process?
All of our tests are developed with advice and input from medical professionals.
What are optimal iron levels?
-
- Healthy iron levels are 50 – 150 μg/dL in males and 35 – 145 μg/dL in females.
- Healthy ferritin levels are 15 – 200 ng/mL.
- Average transferrin saturation is 25%. Normal values are typically 20-30% for females and 20-45% for males.
- Normal TIBC values are between 240 and 450 μg/dL.
What are good food sources of iron?
-
- Liver
- Red meat
- Beans (e.g. kidney beans and chickpeas)
- Nuts and dried fruit
What are my options if I have abnormal results?
It is important to share any abnormal results with you healthcare provider, as they can take into consideration your medical history, any previous test results, physical examinations, and other factors to determine the best treatment option.
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