Iron Binding Capacity

Test Code

IBC

Alias/See Also

Total Iron Binding Capacity

CPT Codes
83550

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold or red top tube)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Container

Serum (gold or red top) Tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 3 days; Refrigerated - 14 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Quantity Not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top tube) contamination, IV contamination

Methodology
Photometric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Limitations

Desferal (Deferoxamine Mesylate) can interfere with TIBC testing.

Reference Range

Females: 265 - 497 ug/dL
Males: 261 - 462 ug/dL

Clinical Significance

The measurements of serum iron and serum iron-binding capacity are useful in the differential diagnosis of anemia, iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, possible sideroblastic anemia, and iron poisoning. Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) in serum, representing the iron-binding capacity of transferrin, is a useful index of nutritional status. Serum TIBC varies in disorders of iron metabolism. Serum TIBC is increased in iron deficiency and decreased in chronic inflammatory disorders, malignancies and hemochromatosis.

The CPT Codes provided in this document 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. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.