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Test Code IRONTIBC Iron and Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC), Serum

Additional Codes

Compendium Code (Iatric): L303.0353

Performing Laboratory

St. Lukes Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Ferric Iron Saturation/Acid Reduction/Ferene Complex Formation

Specimen Requirements

Separated specimens may be stored for up to 4 days at room temperature or for up to 7 days at 2 - 8°C.

Draw blood in a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.

 

Unspun specimens must be transported at ambient temperature and arrive to the laboratory within one hour of draw.

 

Reference Values

TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY

250-450 mcg/dL

Interference testing was done according to the NCCLS Protocol EP7-P.

Measurements of TIBC may be inaccurate if performed within 14 days of intravenous iron dextran administration.

Ferrous sulfate at 250 mcg/dL increased TIBC results by 17%.

TOTAL IRON

Males:  53-167 mcg/dL
Females:  49-151 mcg/dL

Serum iron concentrations exhibit diurnal variation, with the highest values being obtained in the morning. Because of this diurnal variation, serum iron values may vary by up to 30% during the course of a day.

Interfering Substances:

Hemolysis and lipemia (triglycerides >1,000 mg/dL) will falsely elevate the iron concentration.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT: 83540 - Iron

CPT: 83550 - TIBC

LOINC: 2498-4-Iron

LOINC: 2500-7-TIBC