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Test ID: FE
Iron and Total Iron-Binding Capacity, Serum

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

Serum is added to an alkaline buffer/reductant solution containing a known concentration of iron to saturate the available binding sites of transferrin. The excess unbound divalent iron reacts with FerroZine chromogen to form a magenta complex which is measured spectrophotometrically. The FerroZine chromagen reacts only with Fe(2+); therefore, an iron reductant is added to insure that all iron is present in the ferrous state. The unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) is equal to the difference between the concentration of the added iron solution and the excess unbound iron. The TIBC is equal to the sum of the serum iron and the UIBC. (Package insert: Roche UIBC Reagent.  Roche Diagnostics Corp., Indianapolis, IN)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

2 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

1 week

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester