Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (venous draw)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Direct thyroid health insight — measures iodine levels essential for T3 and T4 hormone production
- No doctor visit required — order online and visit any partnered lab location
- Confidential results — receive secure results
- Quick turnaround — get results in 2–3 days with highly accurate ICP/MS testing
- Convenient testing — no fasting or special preparation needed before your test
- Proactive health management — identify deficiency or excess before symptoms worsen
Who Is This Test For?
- Pregnant women at higher risk for iodine deficiency affecting fetal development
- Vegans and vegetarians with limited iodine intake from animal products
- People avoiding iodized salt or living in low-iodine geographic areas
- Individuals with thyroid symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or goiter
- Health-conscious consumers wanting to optimize metabolic and thyroid function
- Those on specialized diets requiring nutritional status monitoring
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Just place your order and choose your preferred lab location
- Visit the lab — quick blood draw takes just minutes with no preparation required
- Get results — secure online results in 2–3 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test measures iodine concentration in your blood to detect deficiency or excess levels.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting or special preparation is required before your iodine blood test.
How accurate is this test? ICP/MS methodology provides highly sensitive and specific results with excellent diagnostic accuracy (LabCorp 2024).
What's the normal range for iodine? Normal serum iodine levels typically range from 52-109 µg/L, though reference ranges may vary by laboratory.
Can I take this test if I'm on medications? Yes, no medication restrictions apply, though inform your healthcare provider about iodine-containing supplements or medications.
How soon will I get my results? Results are typically available within 2-7 business days depending on the laboratory processing time.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Iodine Blood Test measures iodine concentration in your blood to assess whether you have adequate levels of this essential mineral. Iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall biochemical functions throughout your body (Mayo Clinic 2025). This test helps detect both iodine deficiency and excess, both of which can significantly impact thyroid function and your overall health.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for pregnant women, as iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause serious developmental issues in babies (WHO 2021). Vegans and individuals who avoid dairy products, seafood, and eggs are at higher risk since these foods are primary iodine sources. People living in geographic areas with naturally low iodine levels or those who don't consume iodized salt should also consider testing. Additionally, anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or other thyroid-related symptoms can benefit from understanding their iodine status.
When should I order an Iodine Blood Test?
Order this test if you're experiencing symptoms potentially related to thyroid dysfunction, such as unexplained fatigue, weight gain or loss, difficulty concentrating, or changes in energy levels. Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should test to ensure adequate iodine for fetal brain development. Consider testing if your diet lacks iodine-rich foods like seafood, dairy, and iodized salt, or if you follow restrictive diets that may limit iodine intake (American Thyroid Association 2023).
How do I interpret the results?
Iodine Level: Below 52 µg/L
- What it means: Iodine deficiency
- Typical action: Increase iodine-rich foods; consider supplements
Iodine Level: 52–109 µg/L
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: Maintain current iodine intake
Iodine Level: Above 109 µg/L
- What it means: Excess iodine
- Typical action: Reduce iodine sources; consult healthcare provider
Iodine deficiency affects approximately 2 billion people worldwide, making it one of the most common nutritional deficiencies globally (WHO 2021).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for the Iodine Blood Test. You don't need to fast or avoid any foods or medications before testing. Simply arrive at your chosen lab location for a standard blood draw. The sample is collected in trace element-free tubes to ensure accurate results, and the blood remains stable for up to 10 days when properly refrigerated during transport to the testing facility.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once, then as needed based on results
- Monitoring deficiency treatment: Every 3–6 months during treatment
- Pregnancy: Early pregnancy, then as recommended
- High-risk populations: Annually or as advised by healthcare provider
Why early detection matters
Early detection of iodine imbalance is crucial because both deficiency and excess can cause serious health complications. Iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of brain damage worldwide and can result in goiter, hypothyroidism, and developmental delays in children (Zimmerman 2009). In pregnant women, deficiency increases risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital abnormalities. Conversely, excessive iodine can trigger hyperthyroidism or worsen existing thyroid conditions. Early identification allows for prompt dietary adjustments or medical intervention, preventing long-term health consequences.
Related tests you may consider
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test — evaluates overall thyroid gland function and is often ordered alongside iodine testing to assess complete thyroid health.
Free T3 and Free T4 Blood Test Panel — measure active thyroid hormones to confirm thyroid activity and diagnose hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid Antibodies Panel — helps identify autoimmune thyroid diseases that can coexist with iodine imbalances, providing a comprehensive thyroid health assessment.
