Iron Studies (Serum Iron, TIBC, Ferritin) — Price Comparison in the UAE
Measures serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin to evaluate iron deficiency or overload.
Turnaround
12 hours
Sample
Blood sample (venipuncture)
Fasting required: Do not eat or drink (except water) for 8-12 hours before this test. Morning appointments are recommended.
Common Reasons to Order
Understanding Your Iron Panel Results
What This Test Measures
Iron studies go beyond a basic CBC to characterise the body's iron stores and transport capacity. The standard panel includes: serum iron — the amount of iron currently circulating bound to transferrin; TIBC (total iron-binding capacity) — a measure of transferrin availability, which increases when iron stores are low; transferrin saturation — calculated as (serum iron / TIBC) × 100, the most direct indicator of how much iron is available for use; and ferritin — the primary intracellular iron storage protein, whose serum level is the single best marker of total body iron stores (low = depleted stores; very high = iron overload or inflammation).
Who Should Get This Test
Recommended For
Iron studies are ordered when a CBC shows anaemia (particularly microcytic, low-MCV anaemia) to determine if iron deficiency is the cause, to distinguish iron deficiency from anaemia of chronic disease, or to assess response to iron supplementation. Women with heavy menstrual bleeding, vegans and vegetarians, endurance athletes, pregnant women, and frequent blood donors are at higher risk of iron depletion. Iron overload conditions (hereditary haemochromatosis) are detected by elevated ferritin and transferrin saturation.
In the UAE Context
Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common nutritional deficiency in the UAE, particularly in South Asian and Filipino women of reproductive age. Studies from the UAE healthcare regulator-affiliated hospitals have reported iron deficiency in 15–30% of pregnant women in Dubai. Ferritin is increasingly included in UAE pre-marital screening packages and corporate women's health panels. Thalassaemia trait — common in UAE nationals and populations from the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean — can mimic iron deficiency anaemia on a CBC; iron studies help distinguish them before prescribing iron supplementation unnecessarily.
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Iron Panel Test — FAQ
How much does a Iron Panel test cost in the UAE?
Iron Studies (Serum Iron, TIBC, Ferritin) pricing varies by laboratory. Contact labs directly for current pricing.
Do I need to fast before a Iron Panel test?
Yes, fasting for 8-12 hours is required before a Iron Studies (Serum Iron, TIBC, Ferritin). You may drink water during the fasting period. Morning appointments (7-9 AM) are recommended so you can fast overnight.
How long does it take to get Iron Panel results?
Iron Studies (Serum Iron, TIBC, Ferritin) results are typically available within 12 hours. Walk-in labs may provide results faster than home collection services. Most labs in the UAE deliver results digitally via email or app within 24 hours.
Why is Iron Panel testing important?
Measures serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin to evaluate iron deficiency or overload. Common reasons to order this test include: Fatigue, Anemia investigation, Heavy menstruation, Hair loss. Regular testing helps detect conditions early when they are most treatable.
Disclaimer: Prices for Iron Studies (Serum Iron, TIBC, Ferritin) are indicative and based on publicly available data from UAE diagnostic laboratories. Actual prices may vary by branch, insurance coverage, and current promotions. The medical information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified physician to determine if this test is appropriate for your condition and to interpret your results. Last verified March 2026.