Biochemistry
| Full details for "Iron ". | |
|---|---|
Name |
Iron |
Alternative name/Profile |
Iron Studies |
Department |
Biochemistry |
Investigation |
Serum Iron may be used in conjunction with total iron binding capacity (TIBC) to assess disorders of iron metabolism e.g. iron deficiency and iron overload (haemochromatoisis), and in the assessment of suspected acute iron poisoning. |
Specimen type |
Serum |
Sample type |
|
Sample container & volume |
5 mL - Red Tube |
Frequency of analysis |
Daily |
Turnaround time |
1 day |
Availability |
|
Notes |
Fasting morning specimen required. Haemolysis invalidates. Avoid venous stasis. This test is used in the investigation of (i) possible acute iron poisoning, and (ii) possible iron overload. For patients with suspected iron poisoning/overdoes please take sample for iron prior to commencement of desferrioxamine treatment. It is not recommended for investigation of possible iron deficiency – serum ferritin concentration is a more sensitive and specific test for this condition. The iron studies profile also includes determination of unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), and calculation of the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation. Raised transferrin saturation (> 45%) on a fasting sample could be consistent with possible iron accumulation, and complements serum ferritin in the investigation of iron overload. Separate serum or plasma from clot or cells as soon as possible. Delayed separation may cause increased Iron. Samples taken into Lithium Heparin tubes will give values approximately 6% lower than samples taken into serum tubes.
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Related links |
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Reference range |
Male 14 - 31 µmol/L Female 10 - 30 µmol/L |
Last updated |
Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:08:49 IST |