Autoimmune activity and iron imbalance are two of the most common contributors to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, weakness, hair loss, low mood, dizziness, poor immunity or muscle aches.
In the UK, both NHS and private laboratories frequently use a combination of autoimmune antibody tests and iron status markers to better understand what may be influencing someone’s overall health.

This Autoimmune & Iron Status Panel includes six laboratory tests:

• ANA1 – ANA by IIF (pattern + titre)

• Ferritin

• Full Blood Count (FBC / Complete Blood Count)

• ASMA – Smooth Muscle Antibodies (IIF)

• AMA – Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies (IIF)

• Serum Iron

Below you will find a full explanation of why each test is important, what the results may mean, and typical UK reference ranges.
(Ranges vary slightly across NHS and private labs.)

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1. ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) – IIF (Pattern & Titre)

Why this test matters

ANA testing screens for autoimmune activity. It detects antibodies that target the nuclei of the body’s own cells, which may appear in various autoimmune processes.
The IIF method provides:

• Pattern of fluorescence (e.g., speckled, homogeneous, centromere)

• Titre (antibody strength, e.g., 1:80, 1:160)

UK reference interpretation:

• Negative: < 1:80

• Low titre: 1:80

• Positive: ≥ 1:160 (depending on lab)

What results may indicate:

• Low titres can be found in healthy individuals.

• Higher titres may suggest autoimmune activity – but ANA alone does not diagnose any condition.
  The pattern helps direct further testing if needed.

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2. Ferritin – Iron Storage Indicator

Why ferritin is important

Ferritin measures stored iron and is often the first marker to shift when iron levels become imbalanced.
Low ferritin is extremely common in women, especially with heavy periods, fatigue, hair loss or low immunity.

Typical UK reference ranges:

• Women: 15–200 µg/L

• Men: 30–400 µg/L

Possible interpretations:

• Low ferritin: low iron stores, reduced energy, hair thinning.

• High ferritin: may reflect inflammation, iron overload or liver stress.

Ferritin should be interpreted alongside serum iron and the Full Blood Count for accuracy.

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3. Full Blood Count (FBC / Complete Blood Count)

Why FBC is essential

FBC is one of the most informative general health tests. It evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, helping to identify anaemia, immune responses and overall blood health.

Key markers include:

• Haemoglobin

• Red blood cell count (RBC)

• Haematocrit

• MCV/MCH/MCHC (red cell indices)

• White blood cells (WBC)

• Platelets

Common UK reference examples (adults):

• Haemoglobin (women): 120–160 g/L

• Haemoglobin (men): 130–180 g/L

• WBC: 4.0–11.0 ×10⁹/L

• Platelets: 150–400 ×10⁹/L

What results may indicate:

• Low haemoglobin / low MCV: may suggest iron deficiency.

• High WBC: immune activation.

• Low WBC or abnormal platelets: requires clinical evaluation.

FBC is essential when assessing iron status and autoimmune activity.

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4. ASMA – Smooth Muscle Antibodies (IIF)

Why this test is useful

ASMA antibodies can appear in certain autoimmune processes affecting smooth muscles.
This test helps identify whether the immune system is producing antibodies directed at smooth muscle tissue.

UK reference:

• Negative: < 1:40

What results may suggest:

• Low titres: may be non-specific.

• Higher titres: may indicate autoimmune involvement and require further clinical assessment.

ASMA is not diagnostic as a standalone test.

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5. AMA – Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies (IIF)

Why it is tested

AMA targets mitochondria inside cells. Elevated AMA may be associated with autoimmune processes affecting liver and bile duct function.

Typical UK reference:

• Negative: < 1:40

What results may indicate:

• Positive AMA: autoimmune mitochondrial activity; requires correlation with symptoms and other tests.

• Negative AMA: no detectable mitochondrial antibodies.

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6. Serum Iron

Why serum iron is important

Serum iron measures the amount of circulating iron in the bloodstream. Unlike ferritin, which shows storage, serum iron reflects immediate availability.

Typical UK reference ranges:

• Women: 10–30 µmol/L

• Men: 10–30 µmol/L

Possible interpretations:

• Low iron: may reflect deficiency, poor absorption or heavy menstrual loss.

• High iron: may be related to supplementation, dietary excess or reduced clearance.

Serum iron must always be interpreted with ferritin and FBC for a complete picture.

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Why this Autoimmune & Iron Panel is Valuable

Together, these six tests provide a comprehensive overview of:

• autoimmune activity (ANA, ASMA, AMA),

• iron storage and availability (ferritin, serum iron),

• overall blood health and oxygen-carrying capacity (FBC).

This combination is particularly useful when assessing symptoms such as:

• fatigue

• muscle pain

• hair loss

• low mood

• immune system changes

• anaemia-like symptoms

The tests do not diagnose any condition on their own, but they give essential clues to support further discussion with a healthcare professional.