Iron (Fe)

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Taking medicines, such as chloramphenicol, birth control pills, corticotropin, estrogen, ASA, and iron supplements.
• Using herbal remedies, especially St. John's wort and saw palmetto.
• Taking vitamin B12 supplements in 48 hours before the iron test.
• Not getting enough sleep (sleep deprivation).
• Being under a lot of stress.
• Having a blood transfusion in the past 4 months.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: February 4, 2007
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
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