Serum Iron (Fe)

 Iron is essential for the production of blood helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs.

Normal lab values for serum iron:

• Male adult: 65 – 175 mcg/dL
• Female adult: 50 – 170 mcg/dL

Indication of serum iron: 

• Helps in diagnosing anemia and hemolytic disorder.

Nursing considerations for serum iron: 

• Recent intake of a meal containing high iron content may affect the results.
• Drugs that may cause decreased iron levels include adrenocorticotropic hormone, cholestyramine, colchicine, deferoxamine, and testosterone.
• Drugs that may cause increased iron levels include dextrans, ethanol, estrogens, iron preparations, methyldopa, and oral contraceptives.