Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1030 page)

   Iron exists in the body in many forms: hemoglobin in circulating red cells and developing erythroblasts, iron-containing proteins such as myoglobin and cytochromes, and bound to transferrin and storage in the form of ferritin and hemosiderin. Iron homeostasis is regulated strictly at the level of intestinal absorption and release of iron from macrophages. The serum iron level reflects Fe
³⁺
bound to transferrin, not free Hb in serum.

   
Normal range:

   Female: 28–170 μg/dL

   Male: 45–182 μg/dL

   Use

   Diagnosis of blood loss

   Differential diagnosis of anemias

   Diagnosis of hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis

   Evaluation of iron deficiency; should always be measured with TIBC

   Diagnosis of acute iron toxicity, especially in children

   Evaluation of thalassemia and sideroblastic anemia

   Monitor response to treatment for anemia

Increased In

   Idiopathic hemochromatosis