Check your iron levels from the comfort of home. Ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and transferrin saturation — all from a single venous blood draw by a professional phlebotomist.
Find a Phlebotomist →A full iron studies panel gives a complete picture of your iron status and storage levels.
| Marker | What It Shows | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ferritin | Iron storage levels | 30 - 300 ng/mL (men), 15 - 200 ng/mL (women) |
| Serum Iron | Iron circulating in blood | 10 - 30 μmol/L |
| TIBC | Total iron-binding capacity | 45 - 80 μmol/L |
| Transferrin Saturation | Percentage of transferrin carrying iron | 20% - 50% |
Menstrual blood loss is the leading cause of iron deficiency in premenopausal women. Regular testing helps catch depletion early.
Plant-based iron (non-haem) is less easily absorbed than meat-based iron. Monitoring ferritin levels helps ensure adequate intake.
Unexplained tiredness is one of the most common symptoms of low iron. A blood test can confirm or rule out iron deficiency.
Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy. Low iron can affect both mother and baby's health.
Enter your postcode, choose a morning time slot, and select the iron studies panel. No GP referral required.
A DBS-checked phlebotomist arrives at your home and collects a venous blood sample in under 10 minutes.
Your sample is dispatched to an accredited laboratory the same day. Results typically within one to three working days.
Fast for 10-12 hours if a full iron studies panel is requested (water is fine).
A morning blood draw gives the most accurate serum iron results.
Avoid iron supplements for 24 hours before the test if your doctor advises.
Stay well hydrated to make the blood draw easier.
Wear loose sleeves for easy access to your arm.
Serum iron measures the amount of iron circulating in your blood right now. Ferritin measures your stored iron reserves. Ferritin is generally the more useful marker because it shows your overall iron status rather than a snapshot that can fluctuate throughout the day.
A morning fasting sample is recommended for the most accurate serum iron and TIBC results. Ferritin alone does not require fasting. If your doctor has requested a full iron studies panel, fast for 10-12 hours beforehand and take the test in the morning.
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. In the UK, it affects an estimated 1 in 4 women of childbearing age. It is also common in vegetarians, vegans, frequent blood donors, and people with chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or coeliac disease.
Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, restless legs, and difficulty concentrating. Severe deficiency can cause iron-deficiency anaemia, where your body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells.
Yes. The same iron studies panel that detects deficiency also identifies iron overload. High ferritin and high transferrin saturation can indicate haemochromatosis, a genetic condition affecting around 1 in 200 people of Northern European descent. Early detection prevents organ damage.
Find a DBS-checked phlebotomist near you. Most bookings confirmed in under two minutes.
Find a Phlebotomist →Related reading: Iron Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes and When to Test