Iron studies and ferritin tests
Private iron and ferritin blood tests to check iron stores and markers linked to iron transport.
Book a GP blood test appointment if you want advice on whether ferritin alone or a wider iron profile is right for you.
Iron studies and ferritin tests
Test options
Use the options below if you already know which iron test you need. If you are unsure whether to check ferritin alone or a wider iron profile, book a GP blood test appointment and your GP can advise.
Ferritin
Red cells, white cells, platelets, haemoglobin
Haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean haemoglobin
Iron (TIBC included)
Ferritin
Transferrin Saturation
Haemochromatosis C282Y, H63D
Iron (TIBC included)
Ferritin
Transferrin Saturation
From booking to results
Your appointment, step by step
Book online, see a GP, have your sample taken during the appointment and view your results securely in your DocTap account.
- 1Book online in minutesChoose your preferred clinic and time, and select a male or female clinician where available. You will get instant confirmation.
- 2We will tell you how to prepareMost blood tests do not need fasting. If a test needs anything specific beforehand, we will let you know before your appointment.
- 3See a GP and have your sample takenYour appointment includes a 15-minute GP consultation to discuss symptoms, check suitability or advise which test you need. A quick blood sample is then taken from your arm.
- 4Get results and follow-upYou will get a message when your result is ready. Your results and doctor's report will be available securely in your DocTap account; abnormal results are prioritised and your clinician will contact you if urgent action is needed.
What it can show
What do iron studies and ferritin tell you?
Iron studies give a fuller picture than one iron number, especially when symptoms or previous results need context.
Ferritin and iron stores
Ferritin reflects stored iron. A low ferritin result can suggest your iron stores are running low and may appear before anaemia is obvious on a full blood count. This is why ferritin is often reviewed alongside FBC rather than in isolation.
Iron transport markers
A wider iron profile may include serum iron, transferrin or TIBC, and transferrin saturation. These markers help show how much iron is available in the blood and how it is being carried around the body.
Why raised ferritin needs context
Ferritin can rise with inflammation, infection, liver conditions, alcohol intake or metabolic health issues. A high ferritin result does not automatically mean iron overload, so your GP will usually look at the pattern and your wider health context.
When to test
When iron studies are worth checking
These tests are most useful when symptoms, bleeding risk, diet or previous results make iron status part of the question.
Tiredness, weakness or breathlessness
Iron studies can be useful if you feel persistently tired, weak, dizzy, short of breath or notice palpitations, especially when your GP wants to check whether low iron stores or anaemia could be part of the picture.
Heavy periods, blood loss or diet
Testing is often relevant with heavy periods, recent bleeding, frequent blood donation, restricted diet, digestive symptoms or absorption concerns. The aim is to avoid guessing whether iron is actually low and to understand why.
Follow-up after treatment or raised results
If you are taking iron supplements, repeat testing can show whether stores are recovering. If ferritin has been raised before, a wider iron profile can help decide whether the result looks like inflammation, liver-related change or possible iron overload.
Results
Understanding iron and ferritin results
The useful question is not just whether iron is low or high, but why the pattern looks that way.
Low ferritin or low iron pattern
Low ferritin usually points towards low iron stores. Your GP may then discuss periods, diet, digestion, medication, blood loss and your full blood count to understand the likely cause rather than only replacing iron.
Raised ferritin
Raised ferritin may need a repeat test or related markers such as CRP, liver function and transferrin saturation. This helps separate inflammation or liver-related changes from patterns that need specific iron-overload assessment.
What may happen next
Depending on the result, your GP may suggest treatment, supplement advice, repeat testing, or related tests such as FBC, CRP, liver function, kidney function, B12 or folate. If the pattern needs specialist review, your GP can advise on the right next step.
Clinical quality
The standards behind every test
The clinical standards behind every DocTap blood test, across our London clinics.
- CQC rated ‘Good’.
- Independently inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
- Fully GMC-registered doctors.
- UK-trained and experienced GPs only.
- Every consultation reviewed.
- Each one is checked for quality and safety, overseen by our Medical Director.
- No sales incentives.
- Our GPs are never paid commissions for tests or treatments.
Ready to book?
Book an iron studies or ferritin blood test appointment online, or view the full blood test price list if you want to compare options first.
11 locations where we test
DocTap London clinics and on-site laboratories
Canary Wharf
Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.
Hammersmith
Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.
Kings Cross & Euston
Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.
Liverpool Street & Bank
Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
London Bridge
Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Bond Street
Located on Wigmore Street, just off Harley Street, a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station.
Clapham
Located on Clapham High Street, only a 3-minute walk from Clapham Common station.
Old Street
Located off Old Street, a 3-minute walk from Old Street underground station.
Stratford
Located within The Conductor building, a 6-minute walk from Stratford station, or 3 minutes from the Westfield shopping centre.
Swiss Cottage
Only a 3-minute walk from Swiss Cottage station.
Victoria
Situated on Lower Belgrave Street, a 5-minute walk from Victoria rail and underground stations.
Online GP
Speak to a GP by video or phone, wherever you are — no app needed. Ideal for follow-ups and straightforward concerns.