Iron and total iron binding capacity

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Test Name:

Iron and total iron binding capacity

Synonyms:

Iron and TIBC

Collection Device/Tube Type:

1. EDM Base Lab: 5 mL blood - GOLD SST (gel)
2. CGY DSC: 4.5 mL blood - MINT LIHEP PST (gel)
3. NOTE: The preferred tube type at each testing site is acceptable at the alternate site

Submission Requirements:

1 mL serum or lithium heparin plasma

Frequency of Testing:

Daily

Reference Range:

	Gender	Age	Range
Iron	All	All	8 - 35 umol/L
Total iron binding capacity (TIBC)	All	0 to < 18 years	50 - 80 umol/L
Total iron binding capacity (TIBC)	All	≥ 18 years	40 - 75 umol/L
Iron saturation index	All	0 to < 18 years	0.10 – 0.50
	Male	≥ 18 years	0.12 – 0.60
	Female		0.10 – 0.55
	Unknown/X		0.10 – 0.60

Critical Values:

< 12 years: Greater than 54 umol/L

Comments:

If "Iron overdose" is ordered, testing referred to Alberta Precision Laboratories

Note:
• Blood iron levels alone cannot be used to determine iron stores.
• Ferritin is the preferred marker to screen for iron deficiency
• Iron saturation index and ferritin are the preferred screening tests for iron overload

CAUTION: Iron level monitoring during therapy with iron chelating agents (eg. deferoxamine, deferasirox, deferiprone) is not recommended. If required, testing may resume >24 hours after cessation of therapy

Last Reviewed:

04 May 2023

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