How reports print it
FeСывороточное железоЖелезо в сывороткеЖелезоIron
What it shows
Iron carried in the blood together with the protein transferrin. It swings through the day and after meals, so it is read together with ferritin.
Units and conversion
Base unit: µmol/L.
- 1 µg/dL = 0.1791 µmol/L · 1 µmol/L = 5.583 µg/dL
Typical ranges
Your laboratory’s range comes first — it is printed on the report next to the result. Below is one laboratory’s adult range with its method: a reference, not a rule.
| Who | Range, µmol/L |
|---|---|
| Men | 11–28 |
| Women | 6.6–26 |
Range source: Лаборатория Хеликс — Железо в сыворотке
Why it can be higher
Common reasons discussed with a doctor. This is not a diagnosis.
- Taking iron medicines shortly before the test
- Repeated blood transfusions
- Iron overload
Why it can be lower
- Low iron
- Inflammation
- Blood loss
- Swings through the day
What to ask a doctor
- Should ferritin and transferrin be checked?
- Is it worth repeating in the morning, fasting?
Whom to see
A GP or internist.