Iron levels: what's normal, high and low
The amount of iron circulating in your blood at the moment. Varies through the day.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Iron is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 65.0 – 175 mcg/dL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $25.99 all-in as Iron & TIBC, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mcg/dL / ug/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $25.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Iron Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Male, age 18+ | 65.0 – 175 mcg/dL |
| Female, age 18+ | 50.0 – 170 mcg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
How do you get a Iron test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Iron is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Iron & TIBC | This marker only | $25.99 |
| Baseline Anemia Panel | 5 tests | $74.99 |
| Women's Health Panel | 8 tests | $129.99 |
| Comprehensive Anemia Workup | 8 tests | $169.99 |
| Essential Health Panel | 10 tests | $189.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Iron: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $25.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $25.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $21.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Iron & Anemia biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Iron.
Frequently asked
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
Ready to test your iron?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $25.99.