Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Serum (preferred) or plasma (lithium heparin only). EDTA plasma causes decreased results.
1 mL
0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma.
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Temperature
Period
Room temperature
14 days
Refrigerated
Frozen
Freeze/thaw cycles
Stable x3
Severe hemolysis; improper labeling; improper collection; EDTA or oxalate plasma specimens
Aid in the evaluation of a number of conditions involving red cell production and destruction, iron metabolism, or iron transport
Colorimetric
See table.
Male
Range (µg/dL)
0 to 30 d
35-160
1 m to 1 y
18-126
2 to 12 y
28-147
13 to 17 y
26-169
>17 y
38-169
Female
27-133
18 to 60 y
27-159
>60 y
27-139
