Iron, Total
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: Yes
Phlebotomy required
Details
This test measures the level of iron in the blood to help diagnose conditions like iron deficiency or hemochromatosis. It's a key step in identifying if someone has too little or too much iron, which can affect overall health.
- Iron, Total
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Details
Iron, Total - This test measures the level of iron in the blood to help diagnose conditions like iron deficiency or hemochromatosis. It's a key step in identifying if someone has too little or too much iron, which can affect overall health.
What patients is this test right for?
This test is typically ordered if someone shows symptoms of having either too much or too little iron.
Low Iron Symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Pale skin
- Weakness
- Feeling cold
- Frequent illnesses
- Swollen tongue
High Iron Symptoms:
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Diabetes symptoms
- Irregular heart rhythm
What type of sample is required for this test?
1 mL serum. A simple blood draw is needed.
2–5 business days
Male (mcg/dL) Female (mcg/dL)
<1 Month 32-112 29-127
1-11 Months 27-109 25-126
1-3 Years 29-91 25-101
4-19 Years 27-164 27-164
20-29 Years 50-195
≥30 Years 50-180
20-49 Years 40-190
≥50 Years 45-160
<1 Month 32-112 29-127
1-11 Months 27-109 25-126
1-3 Years 29-91 25-101
4-19 Years 27-164 27-164
20-29 Years 50-195
≥30 Years 50-180
20-49 Years 40-190
≥50 Years 45-160
Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia.
Fast up to 12 hours before your appointment.
Fast up to 12 hours before your appointment.
- Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
- Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 6 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 31 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than heparin
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
