Iron Binding Capacity and Transferrin Saturation

Cleveland Heartlab I, Test

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NEW YORK DOH APPROVED: YES
CPT Code: 83540, 83550
Order Code: C273
Includes: Iron, Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity, Total Iron Binding Capacity, and Transferrin Saturation
ABN Requirement:  No
Synonyms: TIBC; Iron Binding Capacity; IBC; Serum Iron-Binding Capacity; Siderophilin; UIBC; % Saturation
Specimen: Serum
Volume: 0.5 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
Container: Gel-barrier tube (SST, Tiger Top)

Collection:

  1. Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
  2. Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
  3. Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
  4. Centrifuge for 10 minutes.

Special Instructions: Specimens should be collected in the morning to avoid low results due to diurnal variation.

Patient Preparation: Patient should be fasting for 12 hours prior to being drawn.

Transport: Store serum at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions provided with the Cleveland HeartLab shipping box.

Stability:

Ambient (15-25°C): 4 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): not acceptable
Deep Frozen (-70°C): not acceptable

Causes for rejection: Specimens other than serum; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; hemolyzed and lipemic specimens

Methodology:

UIBC: Photometric

TIBC and Transferrin Saturation: Calculation

Turn Around Time: 1 to 3 days

Reference Range:

Test Age, Gender
UIBC All Ages,
Male and Female		 112-347 μg/dL
TIBC All Ages,
Male and Female		 228-438 μg/dL
Transferrin Saturation All Ages,
Male		 20-50%
Transferrin Saturation All Ages,
Female		 15-50%

Intended Use: The total iron binding capacity test is used to identify individuals with either iron deficiency or iron overload, in conjunction with a serum iron test.

Limitations: Hemolysis of the sample will artificially elevate the iron levels. Excess bilirubin in the sample may lower iron levels.

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 payer being billed.