NewDocLog in

Get an iron studies blood test referral online. Bulk billed

See a GP via telehealth and receive your iron studies pathology referral by email. No out-of-pocket costs for eligible Medicare patients.

What are iron studies?

Iron studies are a group of blood tests that measure the amount of iron in your blood and how well your body is storing and transporting it. The main markers include serum iron (the amount of iron circulating in your blood), ferritin (a protein that stores iron in your cells), transferrin (a protein that carries iron through your bloodstream), and transferrin saturation (the percentage of transferrin that is carrying iron).

Together, these markers give your GP a comprehensive picture of your iron status. Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your red blood cells. Both iron deficiency and iron overload can cause significant health problems if left untreated.

Symptoms of iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in Australia, particularly among women of reproductive age, vegetarians, and people with chronic conditions. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, and frequent infections.

If you are experiencing unexplained fatigue or any of these symptoms, iron studies can help determine whether low iron is the cause. Early detection allows your GP to recommend appropriate treatment, which may include dietary changes, iron supplements, or further investigation to identify the underlying cause of iron loss.

How to get an iron studies referral online

Book a telehealth appointment with a NewDoc GP and discuss your symptoms or concerns. If your GP determines iron studies are clinically appropriate, the pathology referral will be emailed to you after the consultation. You then attend any pathology collection centre in Australia for the blood draw.

Your GP may also order a full blood count alongside iron studies, as the two tests together provide a more complete picture of your blood health. The consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, and the pathology tests are covered by Medicare when ordered on clinical grounds.

Understanding your iron studies results

Your NewDoc GP will review your iron studies results and explain what they mean. Low ferritin with low serum iron typically indicates iron deficiency, which is the most common finding. Elevated ferritin may indicate iron overload (haemochromatosis), inflammation, or liver disease. Your GP will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and other test results.

If iron deficiency is confirmed, your GP may recommend oral iron supplements, dietary advice to increase iron intake, and follow-up testing in 6 to 12 weeks to check your response. In some cases, a referral to a specialist such as a gastroenterologist or haematologist may be appropriate to investigate the cause of iron loss.

Who may benefit from iron studies

Iron studies are not only for people experiencing fatigue. Your GP may recommend this blood test if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, have heavy menstrual periods, are pregnant or planning pregnancy, have a gastrointestinal condition that may affect iron absorption, or have a family history of haemochromatosis. Athletes and frequent blood donors may also have higher iron requirements and benefit from periodic monitoring.

Iron studies are often ordered alongside a full blood count, as the two tests together provide a more detailed picture of your blood health. If your FBC shows low haemoglobin or a low mean corpuscular volume, iron studies can help confirm whether iron deficiency is the underlying cause.

Preparing for your iron studies blood test

Because food intake can influence serum iron levels, fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the blood draw is generally recommended. Water is permitted during the fasting period. Morning appointments tend to be most convenient for fasting tests, and many pathology collection centres open early specifically for this purpose.

Your pathology referral will be emailed to you after your bulk billed telehealth consultation. You can then attend any collection centre in Australia at a time that suits you. Results are typically returned within one to three business days, and your online GP will contact you to discuss the findings.

References

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 16 April 2026. Editorial policy

Ready to see a GP?

Book a bulk-billed telehealth consult in under 2 minutes — $0 with Medicare if eligible.

Or call 0481 615 998

Frequently asked questions

What do iron studies measure?

Iron studies measure several markers related to iron in your blood, including serum iron, ferritin (iron stores), transferrin (the protein that transports iron), and transferrin saturation. Together, these markers help your GP determine whether you have iron deficiency, iron overload, or other iron-related conditions.

Can I get an iron studies referral via telehealth?

Yes. Your NewDoc GP can assess your symptoms during a telehealth consultation and issue a pathology referral for iron studies if clinically appropriate. The referral is emailed to you after the appointment, and you attend any pathology collection centre for the blood draw.

Do I need to fast before iron studies?

Fasting is generally recommended for iron studies, as food intake can affect serum iron levels. Your GP will typically advise you to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the blood test, with water permitted. Morning appointments are usually best for fasting blood tests.

What is a normal ferritin level?

Normal ferritin levels vary by age and sex. For adult men, the normal range is typically 30 to 300 micrograms per litre. For adult women, the normal range is typically 15 to 200 micrograms per litre. Your GP will interpret your results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.

Are iron studies covered by Medicare?

Yes. When ordered by a GP based on clinical indication, iron studies are covered under Medicare at no out-of-pocket cost. The NewDoc telehealth consultation is also bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients.

Can iron studies detect haemochromatosis?

Iron studies can indicate iron overload, which is one of the hallmarks of haemochromatosis. Elevated ferritin and high transferrin saturation may prompt your GP to order genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection is important, as untreated iron overload may lead to organ damage over time.

Should I stop taking iron supplements before the test?

Your GP will advise you on whether to pause iron supplements before your blood test, as taking them close to the collection time can affect serum iron and transferrin saturation results. In many cases, your doctor may recommend stopping supplements for 24 to 48 hours before the blood draw. Always follow your GP's specific instructions.

Other services