Iron Studies, Iron Panel, Fe Profile
Up to 24 hours
Colorimetric, Sandwich Immunoassay, Immunoturbidimetry
Accredited NRL Laboratory
Daily
An iron profile (or iron studies) evaluates serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation. Its clinical utility lies in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, identifying iron overload (such as hemochromatosis), distinguishing anemia of chronic disease, and monitoring the safety and efficacy of iron therapy.
Results are reported in SI Units (µmol/L, mcg/L, g/L)
Serum or Plasma
1 mL
Serum (SST; Gold Top or plain serum; Red Top) Lithium Heparin Plasma (Green Top)
Patients should avoid taking multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7) for 12 hours, and be fasted for 8 hours (but no more than 16 hours) prior to specimen collection.
This test does not require any special collection or pre-analytical handling. Follow routine specimen collection protocols.
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days at 2-8°C |
| Frozen | 12 months at -20°C |