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Iron Status

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Iron is an essential mineral crucial for oxygen transport, energy production, and overall health. Maintaining balanced iron levels is vital, as both deficiency and excess can lead to significant health complications. Low iron levels can cause fatigue, weakness, pallor, and anaemia, while excessive iron may contribute to organ damage, liver disease, and other long-term health concerns.

Your doctor may recommend an Iron Status Test if you experience persistent fatigue, dizziness, or weakness, or show symptoms such as pale skin, brittle nails, frequent headaches, unexplained shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat. It is especially useful for individuals with a history of anaemia or other iron-related disorders, as well as those following vegetarian, vegan, or restrictive diets that may affect iron intake.

Ironcomplete iron panel
48 hrsresults turnaround
GPled interpretation
UKASaccredited lab

Why an Iron Status test matters

Iron is essential for healthy blood, energy and concentration — and both too little and too much can cause problems. Low iron is one of the most common causes of tiredness, particularly in women, while iron overload can quietly affect your organs over time.

This panel goes beyond a basic check, measuring five markers for a complete picture of your iron stores, transport and availability. It's especially useful for unexplained fatigue, heavy periods or simply feeling run down — and every result is reviewed and explained by a GP.

What's included in your Iron Status test

Five markers giving a complete picture of your iron.

Iron markers
  • Serum Iron — measures the circulating iron in your blood.
  • Ferritin — reflects your body's iron stores, helping to detect deficiency or overload.
  • Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) — assesses the blood's capacity to transport iron.
  • Transferrin — the protein responsible for carrying iron through the bloodstream.
  • Transferrin Saturation — the proportion of transferrin bound to iron, giving a complete picture of iron availability.

What your results can indicate

Iron deficiencyLow iron or stores behind tiredness, breathlessness or poor concentration.
Iron overloadHigher-than-normal iron that may need further assessment.
Iron storesFerritin shows how much iron your body has in reserve.
Iron transportTIBC, transferrin and saturation show how iron is moved and used.

How it works

Book onlineChoose a time that suits you, or call us. Most checks can be booked online.
Quick blood sampleA short, comfortable appointment at one of our clinical sites — around 15 minutes.
Expert lab analysisYour sample is processed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory.
GP-reviewed resultsWithin 48 hours, a GP reviews and explains your results — with clear, personalised advice.

Is this test right for you?

It's a helpful choice if you have:

Persistent tirednessLow energy or poor concentration you can't explain.
Heavy periodsA common cause of low iron in women.
A restricted dietVegetarian, vegan or limited dietary iron.
Overload concernsA family history or symptoms suggesting too much iron.

Why choose Solasta

GP interpretation, not softwareEvery result is reviewed and explained by an experienced local GP — so you know what it means and what to do next.
Accurate, accredited resultsAnalysed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) for reliable, fast diagnostics.
Continuity of careMore than a one-off test — discreet, unhurried care with ongoing support and follow-up if needed.

What to know before your appointment

Book a morning appointment

Iron levels are naturally highest in the morning and fluctuate during the day, so a morning slot gives the most reliable result. You may also be asked to fast — we'll let you know when you book.

Pause iron supplements

If you take iron supplements, avoid them for at least 24 hours before your test (unless advised otherwise), as they can temporarily raise your serum iron and skew the result.

Stay hydrated

Please ensure you are well hydrated prior to your appointment, as being dehydrated may make the blood draw more difficult.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a common component of many multivitamins and is also available as a standalone supplement. Biotin is known to interfere with laboratory testing and can affect various blood results. Unless prescribed by your doctor, we recommend stopping supplementation at least 48 hours prior to testing. If the supplement has been prescribed, please speak with your doctor before stopping.

Iron Status FAQs

What does this test measure?
Five markers — serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin and transferrin saturation — which together give a complete picture of your iron stores, transport and availability.
Why measure so many markers?
A single iron reading can be misleading. Looking at stores (ferritin), transport (TIBC and transferrin) and availability (saturation) together gives a far more accurate picture of deficiency or overload.
When should I take the test?
In the morning, when iron is naturally highest. You may also be asked to fast — we'll confirm when you book.
Should I stop my iron supplements?
Yes — avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours beforehand (unless advised otherwise), as they can temporarily raise your serum iron.
Can low iron cause tiredness?
Yes. Low iron is one of the most common causes of fatigue, and is especially common in women with heavy periods.
How long do results take?
Results are typically ready within 48 hours of your sample reaching the laboratory, after which a GP reviews and explains them.
How is the sample taken?
A simple blood sample is taken at one of our clinical sites in a short, comfortable appointment of around 15 minutes.

Related checks & services

Full Blood CountA broad snapshot that complements your iron results.
Nutritional HealthKey vitamins and minerals that support energy and wellbeing.
Well WomanA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Well ManA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Ready to understand your health?
Book your Iron Status test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.

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