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Test Code 8827 Transferrin Saturation

Important Note

Related Tests:           

Iron: amount of iron in blood stream. (Light-Green or Gold Top)

Transferrin: a protein that moves iron throughout the body. (Iron & IBCT) (Gold Top Only)

Iron-Binding Capacity Total (IBCT): how well iron attaches to transferrin. (Gold Top Only)

Ferritin: how much iron is stored in the body. (Light-Green or Gold Top)

Purpose

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.

 

Performing Laboratory

Copley Hospital

 

Methodology

Bichromatic Endpoint

 

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Blood (Serum)

Container/Tube: Gold Top

Specimen Volume: Full Tube

Specimen Minimum Volume: 2 mL

 

Collection Instructions:

1. Label specimen with patient’s full name, date of birth,

    date & time of collection and person collecting.

2. If delay in specimen transport > 1 hour, centrifuge tube.

3. Refrigerate specimen during transport.

 

Reference Values

Normal Iron:                   Male: 35 - 150 µg / dL                 Female: 35 - 150 ug / dL

Normal IBCT:                  Male: 260 - 400 ug / dL               Female: 260 - 445 ug / dL

Normal Tranferrin Saturation:   Male: 20 - 50 %              Female: 15 - 50 %

 

Stability

Refrigerated: 7 Days

 

Day(s) Performed

Daily

Available STAT

Analytical Time: 1 Day

 

Aliases

Transferrin Saturation

Transferrin

 

Test Classification & CPT Coding

83540

83550