Test Code LAB602 Iron, Plasma or Serum

Additional Codes

Test Name in EPIC	EPIC Test Code	Mnemonic
IRON	LAB602	IRON

Useful For/Utility

Useful in screening for iron deficiency and chronic iron overload diseases.

Methodology

Ferene

Clinical Information

Iron exists in biological fluids as a component of hemoglobin and myoglobin and is bound in serum and plasma to transferrin, which acts as a carrier protein. Increased iron concentrations are seen in hemolytic anemias, hemochromatosis, and acute liver disease. Decreased iron concentrations are seen in iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease. Major causes of iron deficiency include gastrointestinal and menstrual bleeding. For the assessment of the body’s iron status, the measurement of transferrin and ferritin can provide more accurate information.

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.

2. Spin down, separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.

3. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of plasma is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.

Additional Information: Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Alternate:

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Red top and serum gel

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.

2. Spin down, separate serum from cells within 2 hours of draw.

3. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of serum is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.

Additional Information: Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate 5 days/Ambient 10 hours OK/Frozen OK

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratory

Chemistry-

St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab, SMDC Clinical Lab

Fargo Hospital Lab, St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital Lab

Test Classification and CPT Coding

83540

Reference Values

Males

0 days-13 years: 16-128 µg/dL

14-18 years: 31-168 µg/dL

Adult: 35-155 µg/dL

Females