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 (Chloromycetin), birth control pills, corticotropin, estrogen, aspirin, 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.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: December 4, 2006
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.