The bands on this page
| Result | What it is called here |
|---|---|
| under 20 | Low — iron deficiency likely |
| 20 to 25 | Low-normal |
| 25 to 45 | Optimal |
| over 45 | High — screen for hemochromatosis |
What goes in, and where each number comes from
Every input is a real test. Follow one to see its normal range, its optimal range and what moves it — the calculation is only as good as the numbers you feed it.
What it costs to actually get these numbers
| The 1 test on their own | $8.55 |
| The cheapest panel that covers them — High Ferritin — Overload or Inflammation? (8 markers) | $80.10 |
Prices are Marek Diagnostics with the 10% code already applied, and they are what was filed when this page was built — check the cart. Ordering through these links pays a commission at no cost to you.
What could have moved the measurement, not the marker
A wrong number and a real change look identical on a report. These are the reasons a result here can be an artifact of how the blood was drawn or run, and they are worth ruling out before anything else.
Red cells rupturing in the tube spill their contents into the serum. Potassium, LDH, AST and magnesium are far higher inside cells than outside, so a hemolyzed sample reports them falsely high. Caused by a difficult draw, a narrow needle, or shaking the tube.
What to do: The lab usually flags it. If your result is odd and the report mentions hemolysis, that is your answer — repeat the draw.
Serum iron has a genuine diurnal rhythm, typically highest in the morning and falling substantially by evening — swings of 30% or more within one day are normal.
What to do: Morning, fasted, and the same time on any repeat.
Serum iron peaks a few hours after a dose and can more than double. A panel drawn after your morning tablet measures the tablet.
What to do: Take the last dose at least 24 hours before, ideally leave 5 days.