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Iron panel

Also called serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation.

The group of tests that goes with ferritin: serum iron, transferrin or TIBC, and transferrin saturation (how full your iron carriers are). Together they tell you whether iron stores are empty, locked away, or too full.

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Why a longevity audience asks

Ferritin alone can mislead. Saturation helps a doctor tell low stores apart from inflammation. Very high saturation is one sign of iron overload.

How a coach reads it

Morning blood draws before food are easier to compare. Saturation in the teens can go with low stores. Saturation that stays high along with high ferritin needs a doctor. This page will not print a do-it-yourself treatment chart. This is not a diagnosis.

Units on this page: ug/dL, percent saturation

When it is low

Low iron, low saturation and low ferritin together is the usual sign of empty stores. The next step is a doctor, not a random iron pill from a grocery aisle.

When it is high

High saturation plus high ferritin is where taking supplements on your own does harm. Stop hidden iron and get help.

Easy ways to misread it

  • A recent iron pill or a meat-heavy meal can change serum iron.
  • Do not read saturation without ferritin, or ferritin without saturation.

What to ask your doctor

Ask for serum iron, TIBC or transferrin, transferrin saturation, ferritin, and a full blood count (CBC), all from the same blood draw.

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Sources on this page