Iron, TIBC and Ferritin Panel

Catalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.

What this laboratory test evaluates

DetailsIron, TIBC and Ferritin Panel – This serum iron study panel may help diagnose iron deficiency or overload.

Because ferritin level can be affected by clinical conditions other than iron disorders, the measurement of transferrin saturation-calculated from serum iron level and total iron binding capacity (TIBC)-in the same serum specimen may facilitate the diagnosis of iron deficiency or overload.

Serum ferritin level generally reflects body iron storage and can be used in the diagnosis of iron deficiency and overload. Transferrin saturation is the percentage of iron bound to transferrin. In patients with anemia, ferritin levels are most frequently used to determine whether iron deficiency is the cause.

However, as an acute phase protein, ferritin levels can be increased independently of iron status in inflammatory conditions, kidney disease, liver disease, and malignancy. In these clinical scenarios, the combination of ferritin level with other tests, such as transferrin saturation, may aid in the evaluation of iron deficiency.

What type of sample is required for this test?2 mL serum

Test ResourcesFor more information, please consult your healthcare provider.

Additional test information

Iron, TIBC and Ferritin Panel – This serum iron study panel may help diagnose iron deficiency or overload. Because ferritin level can be affected by clinical conditions other than iron disorders, the measurement of transferrin saturation-calculated from serum iron level and total iron binding capacity (TIBC)-in the same serum specimen may facilitate the diagnosis of iron deficiency or overload. Serum ferritin level generally reflects body iron storage and can be used in the diagnosis of iron deficiency and overload. Transferrin saturation is the percentage of iron bound to transferrin. In patients with anemia, ferritin levels are most frequently used to determine whether iron deficiency is the cause. However, as an acute phase protein, ferritin levels can be increased independently of iron status in inflammatory conditions, kidney disease, liver disease, and malignancy. In these clinical scenarios, the combination of ferritin level with other tests, such as transferrin saturation, may aid in the evaluation of iron deficiency.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Serum
• Fasting: Yes
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.