Serum Iron Test with TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity)

Understand your body’s iron status with our comprehensive Serum Iron Test with Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC). This laboratory blood test measures the amount of iron circulating in your bloodstream and your blood’s ability to transport iron. Together, these results provide valuable information that can help healthcare professionals investigate possible iron deficiency, iron overload, and other conditions affecting iron metabolism.

The price includes professional blood collection (phlebotomy) at participating Superdrug Health Clinics, making the testing process convenient, safe, and hassle-free.

Why choose this test?

Iron is essential for producing healthy red blood cells, transporting oxygen around the body, supporting energy production, and maintaining normal immune function. Both low and high iron levels can affect your health and wellbeing.

This test measures:

• Serum Iron – the amount of iron circulating in your blood.
• Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) – an indicator of how much transferrin (the protein that transports iron) is available to carry iron around the body.
• Transferrin Saturation (calculated) – shows how much of the available iron transport protein is carrying iron.

Who is this test suitable for?

This test may be helpful if you are experiencing:

• Persistent tiredness or fatigue
• Low energy levels
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent headaches
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Restless legs
• Poor concentration
• Monitoring previously identified iron deficiency
• Monitoring iron supplementation
• Assessment of suspected iron overload
• Follow-up after abnormal blood test results

Please note that these symptoms are not specific to iron disorders and may occur in many other medical conditions.

What can the test help investigate?

When interpreted alongside your medical history and other laboratory tests, this profile may assist healthcare professionals in investigating:

• Iron deficiency
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Iron overload disorders
• Hereditary haemochromatosis
• Chronic inflammatory conditions affecting iron metabolism
• Some liver disorders
• Nutritional iron deficiency

This test is not intended to diagnose any medical condition on its own. Results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional.

Sample type

A venous blood sample collected by a trained healthcare professional.

Included in the price

✔ Professional blood collection at participating Superdrug Health Clinics

There are no additional phlebotomy fees to pay when attending your appointment.

How it works

1. Order your test online.
2. Receive your blood collection kit at home.
3. Book your appointment at your nearest participating Superdrug Health Clinic.
4. Attend your appointment with your test kit and valid photo ID.
5. Your sample is collected by a trained phlebotomist.
6. Post your sample using the prepaid packaging provided.
7. Your sample is analysed in our UKAS-accredited partner laboratory.
8. Receive your secure online laboratory report.

Laboratory quality

Your sample is analysed by our trusted UKAS-accredited laboratory, operating to the internationally recognised ISO 15189 standard for medical laboratories, ensuring high standards of quality, accuracy, and reliability.

1. Receive your secure online laboratory report.

Preparation

For the most accurate results:

• An early morning blood sample may be recommended.
• Fasting may be advised, particularly if your healthcare professional has requested iron studies.
• Continue taking medications unless advised otherwise by your healthcare professional.

Important information

Serum iron levels can vary throughout the day and may be influenced by recent meals, supplements, inflammation, and certain medications. For this reason, iron results are often interpreted together with other blood tests such as ferritin, full blood count (FBC), and inflammatory markers where appropriate.

If your results are outside the laboratory reference range, we recommend discussing them with your GP or healthcare professional, who can interpret them in the context of your symptoms, medical history, medications, and any previous test results.