Where an assessment of anaemia or iron status is being undertaken, patients should disclose all iron-containing medications and supplements, including the dose and timing of the most recent dose.
Unless otherwise instructed by the prescribing clinician, do not take iron or other vitamin/mineral supplements during the 24 hours immediately before the blood draw.
Prescribed iron should not be discontinued without clinical advice.
Samples should preferably be collected between 06:00 and 10:00, and heavy exercise should be avoided for 48 hours beforehand.
Serum iron is a transient marker and can be influenced by recent intake, so samples should ideally be collected at least 24 hours after taking vitamin or mineral supplements.
