✓Standard Care

Iron Deficiency Testing: What You Need to Know

Iron deficiency affects 1 in 8 Australians. Learn what iron studies measure, how to prepare, and what results mean.

Published 19 January 2026 · 9 min read

1 in 8

Australians affected by iron deficiency—the most common nutritional deficiency

Source: [1]

The Short Answer

Yes—iron studies are guideline-backed. Iron deficiency is Australia's most common nutritional deficiency, and testing is essential for high-risk groups including menstruating women, pregnant women, vegetarians, and endurance athletes. If you have symptoms like persistent fatigue, your GP will know exactly what to do with the results—and it's often Medicare-covered when clinically indicated.^[1][2]

Why Iron Matters

Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Without enough iron, your cells don't get adequate oxygen, leading to fatigue, weakness, and a range of other symptoms.

Iron deficiency can exist before you become anaemic—your body depletes its stores (ferritin) before your haemoglobin drops. This is why testing ferritin is so valuable: it catches deficiency early, when it's easier to treat.

The Australian Context

1 in 8 Australians have iron deficiency^[1]
22% of pregnant women are iron deficient
Iron deficiency is 10x more common in women than men
Up to 40% of female athletes have depleted iron stores

Signs You May Need an Iron Test

Iron deficiency develops gradually, and symptoms can be subtle at first. Consider testing if you experience several of these signs:

Fatigue and weakness

Pale skin

Shortness of breath

Brittle nails

Cold hands and feet

Difficulty concentrating

Hair loss

Restless leg syndrome

Higher Risk Groups

Some people are more likely to develop iron deficiency and should consider regular monitoring:^[1]

Risk Factor	Why It Matters
	Monthly blood loss depletes iron stores—heavier periods mean higher risk
	Iron requirements increase significantly; deficiency affects both mother and baby
	Plant-based iron (non-haem) is absorbed less efficiently than meat-based iron
	Each donation removes about 200-250mg of iron
	'Foot strike' haemolysis and increased demand can deplete stores
	Coeliac disease, Crohn's, IBD, and gastric surgery reduce iron absorption

What Iron Studies Measure

A complete iron studies panel includes four key markers that together give a comprehensive picture of your iron status:

How to Prepare for Your Test

Proper preparation ensures the most accurate results:

Do

Fast for 10-12 hours before the test
Schedule for the morning if possible
Stay hydrated (water is fine while fasting)
Tell your collector about any iron supplements

Avoid

Eating breakfast before the test
Taking iron supplements for 24 hours prior
Testing during acute illness (affects results)
Testing during your menstrual period (if possible)

Best time to test: Morning is ideal as iron levels naturally peak in the morning and decline throughout the day.

Understanding Your Results

Iron results need to be interpreted together, not in isolation. Here's what different patterns may suggest:

The Bottom Line

Iron studies are a guideline-backed test for the right people—and that's a lot of Australians.

With 1 in 8 Australians affected by iron deficiency, this isn't a niche concern. If you're in a high-risk group (menstruating, pregnant, vegetarian, athlete) or have symptoms like persistent fatigue, iron studies will give you and your GP a clear picture of your iron status.

The Core Health Panel includes comprehensive iron studies along with a full blood count to assess both your iron stores and how your body is using iron.

Frequently Asked Questions

Iron studies typically measure four key markers: Serum Iron (iron in your blood), Ferritin (iron stored in your body), Transferrin/TIBC (proteins that carry iron), and Transferrin Saturation (percentage of transferrin carrying iron). Together, these markers give a complete picture of your iron status.

Yes, fasting for 10-12 hours before your iron studies test is recommended for the most accurate results. This is because serum iron levels can fluctuate after eating, particularly after iron-rich foods. Morning testing is generally preferred as iron levels are naturally higher in the morning.

Normal ferritin levels vary by laboratory but generally: For men, 30-300 μg/L is considered normal. For women (pre-menopausal), 20-200 μg/L is typical. Levels below 30 μg/L often indicate iron deficiency, even without anaemia. Some practitioners consider levels below 50 μg/L suboptimal, particularly in those with fatigue symptoms.

Iron repletion typically takes 3-6 months with appropriate supplementation, though symptoms may improve within 2-3 weeks. The timeline depends on your starting level, the cause of deficiency, and how well you absorb iron supplements. Retesting is usually recommended after 3 months of treatment.

Yes, iron deficiency without anaemia is common and often underdiagnosed. You can have depleted iron stores (low ferritin) while maintaining normal haemoglobin levels. This is sometimes called 'latent' or 'pre-latent' iron deficiency and can still cause symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and hair loss.

Disclaimer:This information is educational only and not medical advice. Results should be interpreted by your health practitioner in the context of your symptoms and health history. Treatment decisions should be made with your doctor or specialist.