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Test Code LAB4127 IRON, TOTAL

Specimen Type

Preferred Specimen:  Lithium Heparin Tube (Mint Green Top, Dark Green Top)
Alternative Specimen: Serum (SST, Gold, Corvac, Tiger, Red Top Tube)

Specimen Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Turnaround Time

STAT: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours

Test Schedule

Daily

Sample Stability

Room Temp: 10 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 year

Method

Colorimetric

Reference Ranges

Age Sex Range
0 up to 14 years Female 16 - 128 ug/dL
14 years up to 19 years Female 20 - 162 ug/dL
19 years and older Female 50 - 170 ug/dL
0 up to 14 years Male 16 - 128 ug/dL
14 years up to 19 years Male 31 - 168 ug/dL
19 years and older Male 65 - 175 ug/dL


 

Reporting Limit

Measuring Range: 7 - 1020 ug/dL

Reporting Range: 7 - 1020 ug/dL

Synonyms

Fe

CPT Codes

83540

Rejection Criteria

EDTA, oxalate or citrate plasma specimens.

Hemolyzed specimens are not acceptable.

Specimen Processing

Separate serum from the clot within 1 hour.

Clinical Information

Iron exists in biological fluids as a component of hemoglobin and myoglobin. It is bound in serum and plasma to transferrin, which acts as a carrier protein. Increased iron concentrations are seen in hemolytic anemias, hemochromatosis, and acute liver disease. Decreased concentrations are seen in iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease, such as chronic renal disease. Major causes of iron deficiency include gastrointestinal and menstrual bleeding. For assessment of the body’s iron status, the measurement of transferrin and ferritin can provide more accurate information.