Iron, TIBC & Ferritin Lab Testing
Iron plays a critical role in how your body produces energy, transports oxygen, and supports overall vitality. At Nervana Medical, our Iron, TIBC & Ferritin Panel provides a comprehensive look at your iron status to help identify deficiencies or overload before they lead to more serious health concerns.
This panel evaluates not just how much iron is in your blood, but also how well your body transports and stores it, giving a more complete picture than iron testing alone.
Understanding Iron Balance in the Body
Iron is an essential nutrient needed to form hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to tissues throughout your body. Without adequate iron, your organs and muscles may not receive the oxygen they need to function properly.
This panel measures:
- Iron – the amount of circulating iron in your blood
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) – how efficiently your blood binds and transports iron
- Ferritin – a protein that reflects how much iron your body has stored
When iron levels are too low or too high, important systems in the body can be affected. Left unchecked, abnormal iron levels may contribute to conditions such as anemia or hemochromatosis. If your results fall outside the normal range, you and your healthcare provider can work together to determine appropriate next steps.
What This Test Measures
The Iron, TIBC & Ferritin Panel includes the following labs:
- CBC with Differential
- Ferritin
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)
- Vitamin B12
Individual lab orders and venipuncture are required for this panel.
Why Iron Testing Matters
Iron imbalances often develop slowly and symptoms may be subtle at first. Many people dismiss early warning signs as stress, fatigue, or poor sleep. Without treatment, however, iron imbalance symptoms can worsen over time and significantly impact quality of life.
This panel helps identify both iron deficiency and iron overload, allowing for earlier intervention and more targeted treatment.
Is This Test Right for Me?
You may benefit from this test if you’re experiencing symptoms of low or high iron levels, or if you have risk factors that affect iron absorption, storage, or loss.
Iron Deficiency (Low Iron) Symptoms
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Weakness or sluggishness
- Pale or yellow-tinged skin
- Hair loss
- Brittle or spoon-shaped nails
- Headaches or dizziness
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Heart flutters or rapid heartbeat
- Cold hands or feet
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
- Craving ice or non-food items (pica)
- Depression, brain fog, or poor memory
- Frequent infections
Iron Overload (High Iron) Symptoms
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Darkening of the skin
- Elevated blood sugar or diabetes
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of sex drive or impotence
- Heart failure or irregular heartbeat
- Depression or memory fog
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Pain in the knuckles of the index and middle fingers (“iron fist”)
How to Prepare for Your Test
To ensure the most accurate results:
- Morning blood draw is preferred
- Fast for 8–12 hours prior to testing (water only)
Your provider will review any medications or supplements that may affect iron levels during your consultation.
Next Steps
Get a free lab consultation before ordering iron testing to ensure the right labs are selected and results are interpreted correctly.
Please note: all pricing is subject to change. A free consultation is required before booking any lab to ensure proper ordering and to answer any questions about preparation or results.