Ulta Lab Tests

Iron, Tibc And Ferritin Panel

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Iron Tibc And Ferritin Panel

% Saturation

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.

Iron Binding Capacity

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you may have too much or too little iron in the blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your doctor know how well that protein can carry iron in the blood.

Iron, Total

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. For example, iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. It helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes. Your body needs the right amount of iron. If you have too little iron, you may develop iron deficiency anemia. Causes of low iron levels include blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from foods. People at higher risk of having too little iron are young children and women who are pregnant or have periods.
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The Iron, Tibc And Ferritin Panel test contains 1 test with 4 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel is a comprehensive set of blood tests designed to evaluate the body's iron status. Iron is an essential mineral required for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscles. This panel provides critical insights into how much iron is circulating in the blood, how well the body can transport iron, and how much iron is stored in tissues. These tests are often used together to diagnose and monitor conditions related to iron deficiency or overload, as well as to assess overall iron metabolism.

Collection Method: Blood Draw Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel Test Blood Draw | Ulta Lab Tests

Specimen Type: Serum Iron, Tibc, and Ferritin Panel Specimen Type Serum | Ulta Lab Tests

Test Preparation: Sample should be collected in the morning while in a fasting state. Fasting is no food or drinks other than water for at least 8 hours before collection.
Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel AM Morning Draw | Ulta Lab Tests Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel Fasting Required. No Food or Drinks | Ulta Lab Tests

When and Why the Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel May Be Ordered

The Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel is typically ordered when a healthcare professional suspects an imbalance in iron levels. Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, or unexplained weight loss may prompt testing. Additionally, abnormal results from routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), may lead to further investigation using this panel. It is also ordered to monitor individuals with known iron-related disorders, such as anemia, hemochromatosis, or chronic diseases affecting iron metabolism. The panel helps differentiate between various types of anemia, assess the severity of iron deficiency, and evaluate the risk of iron overload.

What the Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel Checks For

The Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel evaluates several key aspects of iron metabolism. The total iron test measures the amount of iron circulating in the blood, bound to a protein called transferrin. This reflects the immediate availability of iron for use in the body. The Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) test assesses the blood's capacity to bind and transport iron, providing insight into how much transferrin is available to carry iron. The iron percent saturation is calculated by comparing the total iron level to the TIBC, indicating how much of the transferrin is currently saturated with iron. Finally, the ferritin test measures the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body's tissues. Ferritin levels are a reliable indicator of the body's iron reserves.

Conditions or Diseases the Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel Can Detect

The Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel is instrumental in diagnosing and monitoring a variety of conditions related to iron metabolism. These include iron deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, chronic diseases affecting iron levels, and other disorders that impact iron absorption, transport, or storage.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce adequate hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. This condition is often caused by inadequate dietary intake, chronic blood loss, or increased iron demands, such as during pregnancy. The panel helps diagnose iron deficiency anemia by revealing low serum iron levels, low ferritin levels (indicating depleted iron stores), and an elevated TIBC (as the body attempts to compensate by producing more transferrin). The iron percent saturation is typically low in this condition.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive absorption and accumulation of iron in the body. Over time, this iron overload can damage organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. The panel can detect hemochromatosis by showing elevated serum iron levels, high ferritin levels (indicating excessive iron storage), and a high iron percent saturation. TIBC may be normal or low in this condition.

Chronic Disease Anemia

Chronic disease anemia, also known as anemia of chronic inflammation, occurs in individuals with long-term illnesses such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancer. In this condition, the body's ability to use iron is impaired, even though iron stores may be normal or increased. The panel typically shows low serum iron levels, normal or elevated ferritin levels (due to inflammation), and a low TIBC. The iron percent saturation is often reduced.

Other Iron-Related Disorders

The panel can also help diagnose conditions such as thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, and iron poisoning. These disorders may present with unique patterns in the test results, such as abnormal iron distribution or excessive iron accumulation.

How Healthcare Professionals Use the Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel Results

The results of the Iron, TIBC, and Ferritin Panel guide healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing iron-related conditions. Each condition requires a tailored approach based on the test findings.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

For iron deficiency anemia, treatment typically involves iron supplementation and dietary changes to increase iron intake. The panel helps confirm the diagnosis and monitor the effectiveness of treatment by tracking improvements in serum iron, ferritin, and TIBC levels over time. If the underlying cause is chronic blood loss, further investigation may be needed to identify and address the source.

Hemochromatosis

In hemochromatosis, the goal of treatment is to reduce iron levels and prevent organ damage. This is often achieved through regular phlebotomy (blood removal) or the use of iron-chelating medications. The panel is used to monitor iron levels and adjust treatment as needed. Regular testing ensures that iron levels remain within a safe range.

Chronic Disease Anemia

Managing chronic disease anemia focuses on treating the underlying condition causing the anemia. The panel helps differentiate this type of anemia from iron deficiency anemia, ensuring that inappropriate iron supplementation is avoided. In some cases, medications that improve iron utilization may be prescribed.

Other Iron-Related Disorders

For other iron-related disorders, the panel provides critical information for diagnosis and treatment planning. For example, in thalassemia, blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy may be necessary. The panel helps monitor iron levels to prevent complications from iron overload.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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