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HelpTest Code LAB829 Iron Profile
Clinical System Name
Iron and TIBC
Synonyms
Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
TIBC (Iron Binding Capacity)
Iron + TIBC + % Saturation
Iron/TIBC
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole blood
Container(s): Gold SST, Gold Microtainer, or Red Top-Plain
Preferred Vol: 1.0 mL
Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL
Note: Avoid hemolysis. NO green top Dark Green/Sodium Heparin or Lt. Green/Li Heparin Microtainer for this test.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to: Age of specimen, incorrect collection container, hemolysis.
Spin: Y
Aliquot: Y
Storage location: Core 5 Refrigerator
Off-site collection: Avoid hemolysis. No green top tubes; specimen must be serum. Specimen should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Spin blood and transfer serum to plastic tube and refrigerate or freeze.
Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | RT |
≤ 3 d |
| Serum | 2-8 C |
≤ 7 d |
| Serum | -20 C or -70 C |
≤ 14 d |
Availability
| STAT | Performed | TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Y | 24/7 | 1 h |
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Department: Core Chemistry
Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)
CPT Codes
83540
83550
Methodology
Method: Two Point Rate by Vitros 4600
Analytical Volume: 0.025 mL serum + 0.03 mL dead space
Reference Range
| Total Iron (uG/dL) | Iron Binding Capacity (uG/dL) | % Saturation | |
| 0 - 1 W | 125 - 240 | 60 - 175 | ---------- |
| 1 W- 12 Y | 20 - 123 | 250 - 400 | ---------- |
| 12 Y- Adult | 40 - 140 | 250 - 400 | ---------- |
| All Ages | ---------- | ---------- | 15 - 50% |
Description
The measurements of serum iron and serum iron-binding capacity are useful in the differential diagnosis of anemia, iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, possible sideroblastic anemia, and iron poisoning. Serum TIBC is increased in iron deficiency and decreased in chronic inflammatory disorders, malignancies, and hemochromatosis. Serum iron is increased in hemosiderosis, hemolytic anemias, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemias, hepatitis, acute hepatic necrosis, hemochromatosis, inappropriate iron therapy, and iron poisoning. Serum iron is decreased in cases of insufficient dietary iron, chronic blood loss, inadequate absorption of iron, impaired release of iron stores (commonly observed in inflammation), infection, and chronic diseases.