Iron (Fe)

NURSING.com Team

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What is the Lab Name for Iron?

Iron

What is the Lab Abbreviation for Iron?

What is Iron in terms of Nursing Labs?

Iron (Fe) is an element that is an important component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body. Most of the iron in the body is located in hemoglobin, but some iron is located in myoglobin as well as some iron is stored in the liver, bone marrow, and spleen. The storage form of iron is ferritin. Iron is transported in the blood by a protein called transferrin.

What is the Normal Range for Iron?

50-175 ug/dL

What are the Indications for Iron?

Identify:
- Blood loss
- Hemochromatosis
- Malabsorption of iron
- Iron overload
- Type of anemia:
  - Thalassemia
  - Sideroblastic anemia

What would cause Increased Levels of Iron?

Hemochromatosis
Lead toxicity
Iron poisoning
Acute liver disease
Multiple blood transfusions
Hemolytic anemia
Sideroblastic anemia

What would cause Decreased Levels of Iron?

Blood Loss:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
- Heavy menstruation
- Chronic hematuria
Hypothyroidism
Iron-deficiency anemia
Inadequate absorption of iron