Test Name

Iron

Test Code

233

Unit

µg/dL

Station

Chemistry

Synonym Name/Abbreviation

Fe, Ferrum

CPT Code

83540

Performing Facility

American Medical Labs, Herzliya
Pituah

Analyzer

Roche cobas 6000

Test Method

Colorimetric

AML Preferred Tube

5 mL SST gel

Storage Instruction

Refrigerated

Separate serum from cells within 45
minutes

 Stability:

 7 days at 15 to
25 ^oC

 3 weeks at 2 to
8 ^oC

 several years at
-15 to -25 ^oC.

Min. Volume

1 mL

Comments

Iron concentration in serum depends on ingestion of iron and
is subject to circadian variations (marked daily variations occur: levels
are lower in the evening). Parenteral iron before sample draw will cause
misleading high iron results.

Turn-Around-Time

One day

Intended Use

Differential diagnosis of anemia. Evaluation of a number of
conditions involving red cell production and destruction, iron metabolism
or iron transport.

Limitations

Except for iron poisoning, serum iron without TIBC, ferritin
or transferrin is of limited value. Measuring range: 5.0 to 1000
mg/dL.

Patient Preparation

Fasting in the morning. Patients after blood tranfussions:
iron determination should be delayed several
days.

Reasons for Rejection

Severe hemolysis; improper labeling; improper collection
(plasma)

Adult Reference Ranges

Male: 49 to 181 µg/dL

 Female: 37 to
170 µg/dL