Iron Status Test

About this test – Iron Status Test

Key Benefits

• Comprehensive assessment of iron stores, transport and availability

• Blood sample collected in the comfort of your home

• No travel, clinic visits or sample returns by post

• Laboratory analysis performed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory

• Fast, secure online results typically available within 1–3 working days

Why Choose This Iron Status Test?

This test evaluates multiple aspects of iron metabolism, including iron stores, iron transport and iron availability. By assessing these areas together, the panel provides a detailed overview of iron status through a single blood draw.

Samples are analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory operating to ISO 15189 standards, ensuring high-quality testing and reliable results. Results are securely delivered online, typically within 1–3 working days following analysis.

How It Works

1. Order Your Test
   Choose the blood test that best matches your health goals and complete your purchase online.

2. Arrange Your Appointment
   Following your order, a healthcare professional will contact you by telephone or email to arrange your appointment. Together, you will schedule a convenient time and location for your blood sample collection.

3. Home Blood Collection
   A qualified healthcare professional will visit you to collect your blood sample. They will verify your identity, perform the blood draw and handle the sample collection process.

4. Laboratory Analysis & Results
   Your sample is transported for laboratory analysis, and results are securely returned to GetTested. Most results are available within 1–3 working days following analysis.

Laboratory Quality & Accreditation

Your sample is analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory operating in accordance with ISO 15189 standards. ISO 15189 is the internationally recognised standard for medical laboratories and covers both quality management and technical competence.

The laboratory follows established procedures for sample handling, analysis and quality control to help ensure accurate and reliable results. All results are securely returned to GetTested and made available through your online account.

Preparation Instructions

• Fasting: Fasting is not usually required for this test.

• Before Testing: Stay well hydrated before your appointment and avoid heavy alcohol intake or unusually intense exercise the day before your blood sample is collected.

• Supplements: Avoid taking non essential iron supplements on the morning of your appointment.

• Medication: Do not stop or change any prescribed medication unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Important

This test is not a substitute for urgent medical care. If you require immediate medical attention, contact your healthcare provider or emergency services.

Biomarkers included – Iron Status Test

• Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): Iron Status — Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a blood test that reflects the blood's capacity to bind and transport iron through transferrin — the main iron-carrying protein. It provides an indirect measure of available transferrin and is commonly used alongside other iron tests to help assess iron deficiency, anemia, or iron overload conditions.
• Iron: Iron Status — Iron is an essential mineral critical for oxygen transport, energy production, and cellular function throughout the body. It is a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscles, enabling oxygen delivery to tissues. Iron also plays vital roles in DNA synthesis, immune function, and cognitive development. Measuring iron levels helps diagnose anemia, assess nutritional status
• Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC): Iron Status — Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) measures the amount of transferrin that is not saturated with iron, indicating the total amount of iron that could potentially be bound and transported in the blood. A high UIBC suggests the body needs more iron or is unable to properly utilize it, often seen in iron deficiency anemia.
• Ferritin: Iron Status — Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside cells and serves as a key indicator of the body’s iron reserves. Measuring ferritin helps assess iron status: low ferritin is commonly associated with depleted iron stores and iron deficiency. Elevated ferritin can occur with iron overload, but it may also rise in response to inflammation, infection, liver disease, or other chronic conditions because f
• Transferrin Saturation: Iron Status — Transferrin saturation is a measure that reflects the percentage of transferrin — a blood protein that transports iron — that is actually bound to iron. It helps assess how effectively iron is being carried and utilized in the body. This marker is useful for identifying iron deficiency or iron overload, and is typically calculated using serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Low levels

Frequently asked questions – Iron Status Test

Can low iron levels make you feel tired even before anaemia develops?

Yes. Low iron stores or reduced iron availability can affect energy, concentration, exercise tolerance and general wellbeing, even before clear anaemia is present.

What is the difference between ferritin and transferrin saturation?

Ferritin reflects stored iron, while transferrin saturation shows how much iron is available for transport in the blood. Looking at both can give a clearer picture of iron status.

Can I reschedule my appointment?

Yes, appointments can be rearranged. Please provide sufficient notice before your scheduled appointment.

What happens if my sample cannot be analysed?

If a sample is unsuitable for analysis, our customer support team will contact you with information about the next steps.

Customer reviews – Iron Status Test

4.7/5 (3)

• 5/5 — I finally have a clear picture of my iron storage vs transport. Highly recommend if you struggle with fatigue.
• 4/5 — Good professional service. The UIBC and TIBC data made the report much more useful than a standard GP blood test.
• 5/5 — Really simple process and the markers were easy to understand.