An iron test is a type of blood test that measures the level of iron in a person’s blood. Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. The iron test is often ordered by a healthcare provider to evaluate a person’s iron status and to help diagnose conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin. The iron test may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of iron supplementation or to diagnose other conditions that affect iron metabolism, such as hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. The results of an iron test are typically interpreted in conjunction with other blood tests, such as a complete blood count, and the person’s symptoms and medical history.
