Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Iron is one of a panel of tests used to evaluate the body’s store of iron in both deficiency and excess, along with the analysis of Ferritin and Transferrin.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
1mL blood
Sample stability:
Unseparated sample:
1 day
Separated sample:
7 days at 15 to 25°C,
3 weeks at 2 to 8°C,
years at -20°C
Reference ranges:
Up to 4 weeks: 18 – 45 umol/L
Up to 16 years: 7 – 22 umol/L
16 years and over: 6 – 35 umol/LFactors affecting result:
Serum Iron levels can have substantial day-to-day fluctuations.
Other info:
lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable