Iron, Total and Total Iron Binding Capacity
CPT Code: 83540, 83550
Order Code: 7573
Includes: Iron, 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: 1.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Container: Gel-barrier tube (SST, Tiger Top)
Collection:
- Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
- Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
- Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
- Centrifuge for 10 minutes.
Patient Preparation: 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.
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): 6 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): 28 days
Causes for rejection: Specimens other than serum; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; hemolyzed and lipemic specimens
Methodology: Spectrophotometry
Turn Around Time: 1 to 3 days
Reference Range:
Iron, Total
| Age | Male (mcg/dL) | Female (mcg/dL) |
| <1 Month | 32-112 | 29-127 |
| 1-11 Months | 27-109 | 25-126 |
| 1-3 Years | 29-91 | 25-101 |
| 4-19 Years | 27-164 | 27-164 |
| 20-29 Years | 50-195 | |
| ≥30 Years | 50-180 | |
| 20-49 Years | 40-190 | |
| ≥50 Years | 45-160 |
Iron Binding Capacity
| Age | Male mcg/dL (calc) | Female mcg/dL (calc) |
| <1 Month | 94-232 | 94-236 |
| 1-5 Months | 116-322 | 89-311 |
| 6-11 Months | 176-384 | 138-365 |
| 1-19 Years | 271-448 | 271-448 |
| ≥20 Years | 250-425 | 250-450 |
% Saturation
| Age | Male % (calc) | Female % (calc) |
| <1 Year | 10-48 | 12-45 |
| 1-12 Years | 12-48 | 13-45 |
| 13-19 Years | 16-48 | 15-45 |
| ≥20 Years | 20-48 | 16-45 |
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.