Iron, Total and Total Iron Binding Capacity
Main Content
Test Code: 7573
CPT Code(s): 83540, 83550
Includes: Total Iron, Iron Binding Capacity, % Saturation (calculated)
Methodology: Spectrophotometry (SP)
Clinical Significance: Serum iron quantification is useful in confirming the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis. The measurement of total iron binding in the same specimen may facilitate the clinician's ability to distinguish between low serum iron levels caused by iron deficiency from those related to inflammatory neoplastic disorders. The assay for iron measures the amount of iron which is bound to transferrin. The total iron binding capacity (TIBC) measures the amount of iron that would appear in blood if all the transferrin were saturated with iron. It is an indirect measurement of transferrin concentrations but expressed as an iron measurement. To obtain the percent saturation, the serum iron is divided by the TIBC which gives the actual amount of saturated transferrin. The percent saturation is low in iron deficiency and high in iron storage diseases.
Alternative Name(s): N/A
Supply: T01 - Red/Gray SST 8.5mL
Preferred Specimen: Serum
Preferred Volume: 2mL
Transport Container: Serum Separator Tube (SST)
Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
Specimen Stability: Room Temperature: 6 days
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia.
Rejection Criteria: Gross hemolysis, anticoagulants other than heparin
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The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the Payor being billed.
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