What the Iron Studies Panel measures
Iron studies are a group of blood tests that together show how much iron is circulating in the blood and how much capacity the body has to carry more. Serum iron is the iron currently in the blood. TIBC (total iron binding capacity) and UIBC (unsaturated iron binding capacity) reflect transferrin, the protein that carries iron, and how much of it is still free. Transferrin saturation is the percentage of that carrying capacity in use. In iron deficiency, serum iron and saturation are usually low and TIBC is high, because the body makes more transport protein to catch whatever iron is available. A different pattern can suggest anaemia caused by long-term illness or inflammation, or iron overload. Serum iron goes up and down during the day and after meals or supplements, so the panel is read as a whole and usually alongside ferritin and a complete blood count, rather than judged on any one number.
Price: the Iron Studies Panel costs ₹420 at Pure Bliss (MRP ₹525), with the sample collected at our Action Area 2, New Town centre or at your home.
What the report includes
- Serum iron
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
- Unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC)
- Transferrin saturation, %
Who this test is for
- Anaemia found on a blood count, to look for the cause
- Tiredness, hair fall or pale skin, when the doctor suspects low iron
- Monitoring of iron treatment
- Suspected iron overload, as assessed by a doctor
How to prepare, the sample, and when to expect the report
Preparation
A morning sample after an overnight fast of 8 to 12 hours is preferred, because serum iron varies through the day and after food. Water is fine. If you take iron tablets, ask your doctor whether to skip that morning’s dose until after the sample.
Sample
Blood, from a vein in the arm (serum).
Reporting time
Within 24 hours.
Reading the result
Reference ranges differ between laboratories, so your report lists the laboratory’s own range beside each value. A result outside the range does not always mean illness; ask your doctor to explain it.
- Centre or home collection
- NABL-accredited Redcliffe Labs collection centre
- How collection works →
The Iron Studies Panel can be booked at the clinic in Action Area 2 or with a home collection from 7:30 AM. Patients come to us from Action Area 1, Action Area 3, Rajarhat, Chinar Park, Salt Lake Sector V, Sukhobrishti and Eco Park.