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IRON, TOTAL

TEST:
CPT: 83540

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Total iron typically refers to the measurement of the total amount of iron in a given sample, often blood. Iron is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and energy production.

In blood tests, total iron is usually assessed in conjunction with other iron-related tests, such as transferrin, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). These tests help diagnose and monitor conditions related to iron metabolism, such as iron deficiency anemia, iron overload disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis), and chronic diseases that affect iron utilization.

Normal total iron levels in the blood can vary depending on age, sex, and overall health, but generally fall within the following ranges:

  • Adult men: 65-175 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL)
  • Adult women: 50-170 mcg/dL

These ranges may vary slightly between laboratories, and it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to interpret the results accurately. If total iron levels are found to be outside the normal range, further testing and evaluation may be needed to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Serum (preferred) or plasma (lithium heparin only). EDTA plasma causes decreased results.

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)

Container

Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma.

Collection

Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.

Storage Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Stability Requirements

Temperature Period
Room temperature 14 days
Refrigerated 14 days
Frozen 14 days
Freeze/thaw cycles Stable x3

Causes for Rejection

Severe hemolysis; improper labeling; improper collection; EDTA or oxalate plasma specimens

Test Details

Use

Aid in the evaluation of a number of conditions involving red cell production and destruction, iron metabolism, or iron transport

Methodology

Colorimetric

Reference Interval

See table.

Male Range (μg/dL)
0 to 30 d 35−160
1 m to 1 y 18−126
2 to 12 y 28−147
13 to 17 y 26−169
>17 y 38−169
Female Range (μg/dL)
0 to 30 d 27−133
1 m to 1 y 18−126
2 to 12 y 28−147
13 to 17 y 26−169
18 to 60 y 27−159
>60 y 27−139

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
Iron 2498-4 Iron ug/dL

© 2023 Brio Clinical, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2022 Regenstrief Institute, Inc. All Rights Reserved. To the extent included herein, the LOINC table and LOINC codes are copyright © 1995-2023, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee. See https://loinc.org/license for the full LOINC copyright and license.

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