Iron
CPT Code(s):
83540
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
4 days
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
60 days
Clinical Significance
Iron holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing iron levels in a patient's blood. It plays a crucial role in the evaluation and management of various conditions related to iron metabolism, such as iron deficiency anemia and iron overload disorders.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Iron include:
1. Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia: The test is used to evaluate iron status and diagnose iron deficiency anemia, a common type of anemia characterized by low levels of circulating iron. Low iron levels indicate inadequate iron stores, which can lead to decreased red blood cell production and impaired oxygen-carrying capacity.
2. Monitoring Iron Replacement Therapy: For patients undergoing iron supplementation or treatment for iron deficiency anemia, Iron helps monitor the response to therapy. Regular monitoring of iron levels aids healthcare providers in adjusting the dosage and duration of treatment to ensure optimal iron repletion.
3. Evaluation of Iron Overload Disorders: Iron is utilized in the diagnosis and monitoring of iron overload disorders, such as hereditary hemochromatosis or secondary iron overload due to repeated blood transfusions. Elevated iron levels suggest excessive iron absorption or accumulation, which can have detrimental effects on various organs and tissues.
4. Assessment of Nutritional Status: Iron provides information about a patient's iron status and helps assess nutritional adequacy. It aids in identifying individuals at risk of inadequate iron intake or absorption, guiding dietary interventions and supplementation strategies to maintain optimal iron levels.
5. Monitoring Chronic Diseases: Certain chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or malignancies, can affect iron metabolism and lead to iron deficiency or iron sequestration. Iron assists in monitoring iron levels in patients with these conditions and helps guide appropriate management strategies.
Interpretation of Iron results should consider the patient's clinical context, including other laboratory parameters such as hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation. Additionally, additional tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of iron abnormalities and guide further diagnostic investigations.
In summary, Iron is specifically used for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, monitoring iron replacement therapy, evaluating iron overload disorders, assessing nutritional status, and monitoring iron levels in chronic diseases. It plays a critical role in the evaluation and management of conditions related to iron metabolism, ensuring appropriate treatment and maintenance of optimal iron levels in patients. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is crucial to interpret the test results accurately and implement appropriate treatment plans.