Iron Profile Blood Test
Feeling drained, breathless on stairs, or struggling to concentrate? Low iron is one of the most common and treatable causes of persistent fatigue. This profile checks your full iron status including ferritin stores, giving you the answers you need to take action.
Doctor-led
UKAS labs
Results in 2-3 days
Order your Kit
Get a clear snapshot of your health without the hassle. We’ll send the kit and instructions
How it works
Book a home visit
A health professional takes your sample at home or work
From £65
Book a clinic
Professional blood draw at a nearby partner clinic.
From £40
Free tracked return
Post your kit in any Royal Mail postbox with the pre-paid, tracked label.
Doctor-written report
Every Brooksby Medical result is written and reviewed by a GP. You’ll get plain-English explanations for each marker and clear next steps.
Dr James Coleman, MBChB, MRCGP
Founder & GP, Brooksby Medical
Every report is personally reviewed with clear, actionable advice.
Data secure • UKAS-accredited labs • Doctor-led care
What’s measured in this test
Each biomarker helps reveal insights into your health.
Ferritin
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein found inside your cells that acts as your body's main iron storage container. It reflects how much iron you have kept in reserve for future use.
What does a High Result mean?
A high ferritin level suggests elevated iron stores or active inflammation. Ferritin is an acute phase reactant, meaning its level goes up with infection, inflammation, or long-term illness. High levels can also be seen with liver disease or iron overload conditions such as haemochromatosis.
What does a Low Result mean?
A low ferritin level is the most common indicator of iron deficiency. Common causes include blood loss (e.g. heavy periods), dietary lack, increased demand during pregnancy, and poor absorption. Low ferritin often leads to iron deficiency anaemia.
Iron
What is Serum Iron?
Serum iron measures the amount of iron currently circulating in your bloodstream. Iron is vital for carrying oxygen around the body as part of haemoglobin in red blood cells. This test is usually checked alongside Ferritin and Transferrin for a complete picture.
What does a High Result mean?
A high level can occur with iron overload (haemochromatosis), excessive supplementation, or cell damage. Your healthcare provider will check Ferritin to assess whether this is a chronic problem.
What does a Low Result mean?
A low serum iron level means the amount of iron circulating in your blood is lower than normal. Common causes include chronic blood loss, a low-iron diet, and ongoing inflammation.
Total Iron Binding Capacity
What is Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)?
TIBC measures how much iron your blood has the potential to carry. This reflects the amount of transferrin, the main protein responsible for transporting iron throughout your bloodstream.
What does a High Result mean?
A high TIBC usually means your body is actively trying to capture more iron. This is most commonly seen in iron deficiency, pregnancy, or following significant blood loss.
What does a Low Result mean?
A low TIBC suggests your body is not making enough transferrin or that iron-handling systems are affected by illness. The most common cause is inflammation or a long-term illness.
Frequently asked questions
What is Iron and How is it Stored in the Body?
Iron is vital. It's a mineral essential for making haemoglobin, which carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body—it literally fuels your energy and stamina. Iron is stored primarily in a protein called Ferritin. When your ferritin levels are low, it means your iron reserves are depleted, often leading to fatigue before your haemoglobin even drops.
What are the common symptoms of low iron?
The most common symptom is persistent tiredness and fatigue that doesn't improve with sleep. Other signs include:
Reduced stamina and poor exercise recovery.
Hair thinning or hair loss.
Looking noticeably pale or having brittle nails.
Feeling light-headed or having a fast heartbeat.
Can you have too much iron?
Yes, though it is less common. Excess iron can build up in the body over time, which can potentially damage organs. This profile is useful because it checks both low iron stores (deficiency) and helps monitor for potential iron overload if you have risk factors or are supplementing heavily.
Who should consider the Iron Status Check profile?
This test is ideal for anyone who experiences unexplained tiredness, but it is especially useful for:
Women with heavy menstrual periods.
People on vegetarian or vegan diets.
Endurance athletes or those who train hard.
Anyone who is currently taking iron supplements and needs to check their true levels.
What does this profile reveal about my iron status?
This comprehensive profile looks at the three most important indicators:
Ferritin: Your iron storage reserves.
Iron: The amount of iron circulating in your blood.
TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity): How much capacity your blood has to transport iron.
Together, these measures give a clear, practical view of low stores, active deficiency, or potential overload.
Does this test include a Full Blood Count or Haemoglobin?
No, it does not. This profile specifically focuses on Ferritin, Iron, and TIBC to assess your stores and carrying capacity. If you also want to measure your red blood cells and haemoglobin (your current oxygen-carrying capacity), you should add a Full Blood Count to your order.
How will I receive my results and what happens if something is abnormal?
Your results are delivered securely online within 2–3 working days. Every report comes with a clear explanation written by a UK GP. If your levels are abnormal, we provide advice on the significance and suggest next steps, which may include further testing, lifestyle changes, or an onward referral.
How should I prepare for the Iron Status Check test?
To ensure the most accurate results, please follow these steps:
Fasting is Required: You must fast for 8–12 hours before your test. (Water is fine).
Timing: If possible, schedule your test in the morning for the most consistent iron levels.
Supplements: Avoid taking iron supplements for 24 hours before the test, unless specifically advised by your doctor to check a peak level.
Stay Well: Avoid testing during a short-term illness.
Related reading
Articles from our GP that relate to this test - explaining your results, what they mean, and when to take action.
THE BRIEFING
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