Test Overview
Test Methodology

Direct Ferric Chloride Colorimetric

Test Usage

Evaluation of iron and iron binding capacity, differential diagnosis of anemia.

Reference Range *

Iron total: 33 - 150 mcg/dL, Iron binding capacity: 220 - 440 mcg/dL, %Transferrin saturation: 20 - 50%.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily, 24 hours
Analytic Time

4 hours

Soft Order Code
TIBC
MiChart Code
Iron with Total Binding Capacity
Synonyms
  • TIBC
  • Total Iron Binding Capacity
  • Transferrin Saturation
Laboratory
Chemical Pathology
Section
Automation
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect specimen in SST tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic container and refrigerate. Grossly hemolyzed or lipemic specimens are unacceptable.

Alternate Specimen
Red top tube.
Normal Volume

0.5 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.25 mL serum

Rejection Criteria
Green top (sodium or lithium heparin) or EDTA tubes are not acceptable.
Additional Information

Test includes Total Iron, Iron Binding Capacity, and percent Transferrin Saturation. Percent saturation values <15% are consistent with iron deficiency anemia; serum ferritin and CBC are additional tests that can be used to help clarify the diagnosis. Percent saturation values >60% may indicate iron overload and hemochromatosis; serum ferritin is recommended as an additional test.

Billing
CPT Code
83540 Iron, 83550 TIBC
Fee Code
20702, 20703
LOINC
IRON 2498-4 TIBC 50190-8
NY State Approved
No