--- title: Iron Saturation Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/iron-saturation" also_known_as: - iron saturation - iron saturation % - "% saturation" - "% iron saturation" - transferrin saturation - tsat category: Iron & Anemia units: - "%" order_price_usd: 25.99 order_item: Iron & TIBC order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/iron-and-tibc" reviewed_at: 2026-09-05 --- # Iron Saturation > Iron Saturation is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 20.0 – 50.0 %. 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. Also known as: iron saturation, iron saturation %, % saturation, % iron saturation, transferrin saturation, tsat. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Units | % | | Sample | Blood draw | | Fasting | 8–12 hours | | Results | 1–3 business days | | Price | $25.99 | | Labs | Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ | ## What does Iron Saturation measure? The percentage of your iron-binding capacity currently being used. Iron divided by TIBC. ## What is the normal range for Iron Saturation? | Population | Reference range | | --- | --- | | age 18+ | 20.0 – 50.0 % | Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## What does a high Iron Saturation mean? Can reflect iron overload (e.g. hemochromatosis) or supplement excess. ## What does a low Iron Saturation mean? Often reflects iron deficiency. ## How do you get tested for Iron Saturation? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Iron & TIBC](https://www.test-well.com/tests/iron-and-tibc) | Single test | $25.99 | This marker | | [Baseline Anemia Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/anemia-panel) | Panel | $74.99 | 5 tests | | [Women's Health Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/womens-health-panel) | Panel | $129.99 | 8 tests | | [Comprehensive Anemia Workup](https://www.test-well.com/tests/comprehensive-anemia-panel) | Panel | $169.99 | 8 tests | | [Essential Health Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/essential-health-panel) | Panel | $189.99 | 10 tests | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $25.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | Yes | $25.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $21.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically — state rules keep Quest and Labcorp from accepting self-ordered draws. | - [What a high Iron Saturation means (causes, symptoms, next steps)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/iron-saturation/high) - [What a low Iron Saturation means (causes, symptoms, next steps)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/iron-saturation/low) ## Common questions about Iron Saturation ### Do I need a doctor's order to test my iron saturation? 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. ### How long does it take to get Iron Saturation results? Most Iron Saturation results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal. ### How much does a Iron Saturation test cost? Our Iron & TIBC starts at $25.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. ### Do I need to fast before my Iron Saturation test? Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order. ### Which lab will process my Iron Saturation test? Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations. ## Sources - [AACC Lab Tests Online](https://www.testing.com/tests/iron-tests/) - [MedlinePlus (NIH) — Iron Tests](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/iron-tests/) ## Related biomarkers - [Ferritin](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ferritin) - [Iron](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/iron) - [TIBC](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/tibc) - [Transferrin](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/transferrin) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-05. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/iron-saturation Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.