Iron (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

ISTD

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0452

Laboratory Handling

Registration

If iron studies is requested the following tests will be performed: plasma/serum iron, TIBC (total iron-binding capacity ), Iron saturation, ferritin.

Sample Stability

7 days at 15-25°C, 3 weeks at 2-8°C, several years at -20°C

Synonyms

Iron studies

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

3.5

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer PST Blood (Preferred)
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Heparin Blood
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Plain Blood

Last updated: 05/08/2026