Serum Iron (S. Iron)
Serum Iron (S. Iron) is a laboratory test that measures the level of iron in the blood serum. It is used to evaluate various conditions related to iron metabolism and to assess an individual’s iron status. Here’s how serum iron is utilized:
- Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia: Serum iron levels are often decreased in individuals with iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by insufficient iron stores in the body to support normal red blood cell production. Low serum iron levels, along with other laboratory markers such as low ferritin and low transferrin saturation, help confirm the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.
- Assessment of iron overload: Conversely, elevated serum iron levels may indicate iron overload, a condition characterized by excessive accumulation of iron in the body. Iron overload can occur in conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis, transfusional iron overload, or chronic liver disease. Serum iron levels, along with other iron markers and clinical assessment, aid in the diagnosis and management of iron overload disorders.
- Evaluation of anemia: Serum iron levels, in conjunction with other iron parameters such as total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation, are used to classify different types of anemia. Low serum iron levels, along with low transferrin saturation and high TIBC, are typically seen in iron deficiency anemia, whereas high serum iron levels with low TIBC may indicate anemia of chronic disease or inflammation.
- Monitoring iron therapy: Serum iron levels may be monitored to assess the response to iron supplementation or therapy in individuals with iron deficiency anemia. Increasing serum iron levels over time indicate improvement in iron status and response to treatment.
- Assessment of nutritional status: Serum iron levels can provide information about an individual's nutritional status and dietary intake of iron. Low serum iron levels may suggest inadequate dietary iron intake, malabsorption of iron, or increased iron requirements.
- Evaluation of chronic diseases: Changes in serum iron levels may occur in various chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. Monitoring serum iron levels in these conditions helps assess iron metabolism and identify underlying disorders affecting iron status.