Total iron binding capacity test

TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY TEST

DESCRIPTION – a total iron binding capacity test measures the blood’s ability to attach itself to iron and transport it around it around the body. A transferrin test is similar. If you have iron deficiency anemia, your iron level will be low but your TIBC will be high

METHODOLOGY – quantitative spectrophotometry

TURN AROUND TIME – within 24 hours

SPECIMEN REQUIERED –

COLLECT – serum separator or plasma separator tube or green (sodium heparin)

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate the serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 ml of serum or plasma to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – ambient: 4 days; refrigerated: 1 week; frozen: 3 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – grossly hemolyzed specimens and EDTA plasma

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory