Iron Panel

Serum iron, ferritin, TIBC for iron status.

An iron studies panel measures how much iron is in your blood and how well your body is storing and transporting it. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. The panel typically includes serum iron, ferritin (your body's iron storage protein), transferrin or TIBC (total iron-binding capacity, measuring transport capacity), and transferrin saturation. Both iron deficiency and iron overload can cause serious health problems. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, causing fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function. Iron overload (hemochromatosis) can damage the liver, heart, and pancreas.