Iron Deficiency Profile Please see LabAlert: New Reference Ranges for UIBC and TIBC. Mnemonic IRON DEF Synonym TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY - TIBC - IRON SATURATION - TRANSFERRIN SATURATION - FERRITIN - FED Includes Ferritin, Iron, UIBC, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Iron Saturation (Transferrin Saturation) Specimen Collection Requirements Patient Preparation Specimen should be collected in the morning from patients who have fasted for at least 8 hours. Iron levels decrease by 30% during the course of the day. The patient should not take iron supplements at least 24 hours before blood is drawn. Collect Serum or Plasma, one 5.0 mL gold (SST), 7.0 mL red, or 3.0 mL mint green (lithium heparin, PST) top tube Handling Allow serum to clot completely at room temperature (minimum: 30 minutes). Centrifuge and separate serum from cells ASAP. Avoid contamination with environmental iron. Use only Iron-free collection tubes, pipets and test tubes. Preferred Volume 1.0 mL Serum/Plasma Minimum Volume 0.5 mL Serum/Plasma (1.2 mL minimum whole blood draw) Transport Refrigerated (2-8°C) Rejection Criteria Moderately hemolyzed specimens Stability SERUM OR PLASMA (SEPARATED FROM CELLS, POST COLLECTION): Room Temperature (18-26°C): 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 2 days; Frozen (≤-20°C): 1 month Testing Information Note Iron is performed to calculate TIBC and Iron Saturation. Performed 7 days/week Reported 24 hours Method Colorimetry, Chemiluminescent Immunoassay Reference Values Reference Values For age related ranges see Chemistry Age Related Reference Ranges and Critical Values. CPT Codes Iron: 83540; IBC: 83550; Ferritin: 82728 Last Updated: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 01:27:20 AM Client Services: 503-413-1234