Directory of Tests:

Transferrin Saturation

Test Name

Transferrin
Saturation

Test Code

33

Unit

%

Station

Chemistry

Synonym Name/Abbreviation

Fe and TIBC, Iron Indices, Iron
Profile

CPT Code

83540

Performing Facility

American Medical Labs, Herzliya
Pituah

Analyzer

Roche cobas 6000

Test Method

Calculation

AML Preferred Tube

Serum

Storage Instructions

Refrigerated

Min. Volume

1 mL

Turn-Around-Time

One day.

 

Intended
Use

Differential diagnosis of anemia, especially with hypochromia
and/or low MCV. The percent saturation sometimes is more helpful than is
the iron result for iron deficiency anemia. Evaluate thalassemia and
possible sideroblastic anemia; work-up hemochromatosis, in which iron is
increased and iron saturation is high. Decrease in iron level after
performance of Schilling supports the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency,
vide infra. Evaluate iron poisoning (toxicity) and overload in renal
dialysis patients, or patients with transfusion dependent anemias. Use of
TIBC in iron toxicity may be less useful than previous believed. TIBC or
transferrin is a useful index of nutritional status.

 

Limitations

Low iron level may not indicate iron deficiency in acute
infection with leukocytosis. Low iron levels may be misleading in chronic
infection, inflammation and malignancy; high ferritin levels occur in many
such states. However, the most sensitive test for iron deficiency is bone
marrow examination. TIBC and transferrin are increased in patients on oral
contraceptives, with normal saturation. Gross hemolysis may interfere with
serum iron.

 

Patient Preparation

Patient should be drawn fasting in the morning (circadian
rhythm affects Fe). Have sample drawn before patient is given therapeutic
iron or blood transfusion. Iron determinations on patients who have had
blood transfusions should be delayed for at least 4
days.

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis, specimen clotted on anticoagulants (these bind
iron).

Adult Reference Ranges

15 to 55 %

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