There are a considerable number of tests for iron status, but in practice only a few are needed in most cases. This is by far the most useful single measure of iron status, because it accurately reflects body stores and because it is usually the earliest laboratory measure to change in iron deficiency.
Serum ferritin is a sensitive test for both iron deficiency and excess.
It is not affected by day to day fluctuations in iron intake. Most importantly, it correlates well with the clinical effects which iron deficiency and excess can produce. L. Normal A normal serum ferritin does not entirely rule out iron deficiency. Beware of being falsely reassured by a normal serum ferritin in a patient in whom iron deficiency coexists with infection or inflammation. A careful clinical history, ESR and serum C-reactive protein level can help identify such patients.