A series of tests called Iron Studies, Basic measure the amount of iron in your body. Red blood cells (RBC), healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organ function all depend on iron, an essential mineral. When regular tests, like CBC, yield aberrant results, your doctor may suspect an iron deficiency or an excess of iron and may prescribe this test as a follow-up examination. Pale complexion, exhaustion, headaches, and weakness are markers of iron deficiency, while weakness, sore joints, and abdominal pain are symptoms of iron overload. These tests are helpful for tracking the effectiveness of treatment for iron excess or deficiency.