Iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport.

The Iron Profile provides a combined assessment of:

Serum Iron: Circulating iron bound to transferrin.

TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity): Reflects transferrin’s ability to bind iron.

Transferrin Saturation (%): Ratio of serum iron to TIBC.

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing iron deficiency anemia.

Differentiating between iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease.

Detecting iron overload conditions (e.g., hemochromatosis).

Monitoring nutritional status and therapy response.

Often performed alongside serum ferritin for a complete iron status evaluation.

Analytes:

Serum Iron (~60–170 µg/dL)

TIBC (~240–450 µg/dL)

Transferrin Saturation (~20–50%)

Abnormal Findings:

Low Iron + High TIBC: Iron deficiency anemia.

Low Iron + Low/Normal TIBC: Anemia of chronic disease.

High Iron + Low TIBC: Iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemolytic anemia).

Clinical Use:

Provides a comprehensive assessment of iron metabolism.

Helps guide diagnosis and treatment of anemia and iron disorders.