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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Iron Studies
Iron studies compare the iron in circulation with the blood's capacity to carry it. The results together help a clinician distinguish different patterns of iron availability.
Price for this test on its ownAED 189Test price AED 89
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Iron Studies test measure?
Also called Iron, TIBC & Saturation Panel
A group of iron transport measurements can be more informative than serum iron alone when a blood count suggests anaemia or when iron overload is under consideration.
When it may be requested
Anaemia investigation
Transport measurements can help the clinician investigate low haemoglobin alongside a blood count.
Possible iron excess
The percentage of carrying capacity occupied by iron can guide further assessment.
Inside this test
What the laboratory looks for
Panel components
- Iron
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
- Transferrin saturation (calculated)
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
For these transport measurements, a fasting morning sample is preferred. Give the dates of iron infusions or transfusions and agree the timing of any iron tablet with the prescriber.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideIron Studies
Reading your result
The clinician compares circulating iron with the available binding capacity. A storage marker such as ferritin can help interpret the pattern during illness or inflammation.
What can affect it
- Iron studies alone do not establish why a person is losing or accumulating iron.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testIron Studies
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Iron Studies in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Ask which part of the pattern changed: circulating iron, available binding capacity or the percentage of sites carrying iron.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Is ferritin included in these iron studies?
This panel reports serum iron, total iron-binding capacity and calculated transferrin saturation. Ferritin measures stored iron and is ordered separately. If ferritin is listed on your referral, check that it appears on your test order.
What is TIBC and what does a high TIBC mean?
TIBC, total iron binding capacity, measures how much carrier capacity your blood has available to transport iron. A raised TIBC with low serum iron and low saturation is the pattern of true iron deficiency, as the body makes more carrier to capture scarce iron. A normal or reduced TIBC with low iron fits chronic inflammation instead.
What does a high serum iron mean?
High iron and saturation with a low binding capacity raises the possibility of iron overload, such as hereditary haemochromatosis or iron built up from repeated transfusions or long-term iron therapy. Liver disease and conditions with heavy red cell breakdown can also release iron. A supplement dose or infusion shortly before the sample is a common, harmless explanation, so the test is often repeated after proper preparation.
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Your next step
Iron Studies test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.