The serum iron for average adults is about 50–150 ug/dL. The iron binding capacity is normally 250–400 ug/dL. The transferrin saturation usually falls between 20% and 50% in healthy individuals.
Individuals with alpha thalassemia, especially those with Hb H disease, may have a slightly increased serum iron level with a decreased iron binding capacity. The percentage of transferrin saturation usually increases.
An iron stain of bone marrow smears usually demonstrates increased levels of hemosiderin. Sideroblasts and an occasional ringed sideroblast are present on the right.
