The Iron Status Profile measures how much iron is in your blood, how much is stored, and how well it is being carried around your body, using iron with total iron-binding capacity, ferritin and transferrin saturation. It suits people with symptoms of tiredness or breathlessness, anyone monitoring a known iron deficiency or overload, and those tracking iron levels on a restrictive or plant-based diet. The profile costs £126.25 plus a £50 blood-draw fee, with results in 1 day. Walk in or book online at 117a Harley Street, seven days a week.
Doctors often request an iron status profile when someone reports fatigue, breathlessness, pale skin, brittle nails or hair loss, all of which can be linked to low iron levels.
It is also used to monitor people already diagnosed with iron deficiency or iron overload conditions, to check whether treatment or dietary changes are having the expected effect.
Some people request it to check their iron stores before or during pregnancy, after heavy periods, or when following a vegetarian, vegan or otherwise restricted diet where iron intake can be lower.
Fasting is not usually required for an iron status profile, and most people can attend at any time of day. Iron levels can vary through the day, so if your doctor has asked for a morning sample or given other specific instructions, follow those.
Low ferritin with low iron and transferrin saturation commonly points towards iron deficiency, while high ferritin can reflect iron overload but can also rise simply because of inflammation or infection elsewhere in the body, which is why it needs careful interpretation.
Because several of these markers move together, a doctor will usually look at the whole pattern rather than any single result, alongside your symptoms, diet and any other test results.
If your results fall outside the laboratory's reference range, particularly if you have symptoms of fatigue or unexplained bruising, arrange to see a doctor to discuss further investigation and any treatment that may help.
If you want these markers alongside a doctor's examination and a wider health assessment, compare the Full Body MOT health check.
Written by Mr Stephen Lingam. Reviewed by Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar (GMC 4694470) on 24/09/2026.
It measures the iron circulating in your blood, your iron-binding capacity, your stored iron (ferritin) and how saturated your iron-carrying protein is, giving a full picture of your iron levels.
No, fasting is not usually required, though iron levels can vary through the day, so follow any timing instructions your doctor has given you.
Results are typically available within 1 day of your blood being taken at 117a Harley Street.
It shows your iron levels and stores, which is one common cause of anaemia, but a full blood count and a doctor's assessment are needed to confirm the cause of any anaemia.