Pathology results in My Health Record, explained
Iron studies results explained: ferritin, iron, transferrin
Your body needs iron to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your red cells. Iron studies are a group of blood tests that together show how much iron is stored in your body and how much is moving in your blood. GPs often order them after an FBE suggests iron may be low, or to check for too much iron.
Also printed as: Fe studies, Iron panel.
What is on the report
Typical adult ranges. Each lab sets its own, so the range printed next to your result is the one that counts.
| Test | What it is | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Ferritin | The body's iron-storage protein; its level mirrors your iron reserves. | 24–307 ng/mL (women) 24–336 ng/mL (men) |
| Iron | The iron traveling in the blood when the sample was taken. | 6.6–26 µmol/L (women) 10.6–28.3 µmol/L (men) |
| Transferrin | The protein that carries iron through the blood. | 2–4 g/L |
| Transferrin saturation | How full the blood's iron carrier is, as a percent. | 20–50 % |
| TIBC | How much iron the blood's iron carrier could hold. | 45–81 µmol/L |
Good to know in Australia
- The exact tests in the panel vary a little between Australian labs. Most include ferritin, serum iron, transferrin and transferrin saturation.
- TIBC is an older test that measures the same thing as transferrin. Most labs no longer run it routinely.
- Ferritin reflects your iron stores. In early iron deficiency, ferritin can be low while iron and transferrin still look normal and there is no anaemia.
- Serum iron goes up and down a lot during the day, so it is read alongside the other results, not on its own.
Call 000 in an emergency. For health advice at any hour, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). For questions about what your results mean for you, talk to your GP.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your pathology report, or upload the PDF, and Vita explains each number in plain words, suggests what to ask your GP, and keeps it with your past results. Vita does not connect to My Health Record or any Australian health record system. Hospital connections work with US hospitals, not Australian ones.
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Vita Health Coach also answers in ChatGPT. One tap opens ChatGPT with this question ready to send:
“What should I ask the doctor about my Iron studies result?”
Questions
Do I need to prepare for iron studies?
Pathology Tests Explained says not to take iron supplements or eat before the sample is taken. Check with your GP or the collection centre.
What is transferrin saturation?
It is worked out from your serum iron and transferrin results. It shows what share of the iron-carrying protein in your blood is holding iron.
Should I start iron supplements if my ferritin is low?
Talk to your GP first. Pathology Tests Explained advises against taking iron supplements unless your doctor recommends them.
More for Australia
Sources
General information, not medical advice. VitaMedas is not connected with any government health service. Vita Health Coach explains; it never diagnoses. In an emergency, call 000. Read the medical disclaimer.