UIBC

CPT Code

83550

Specimen Type

Blood

Container Type

Serum Separator Tube (SST)/Yellow

Stability

Room Temperature, 7 days; 2-8° C, 3 weeks; -20°C, 1 year

Handling Instructions

Allow to clot for 30 mins, centrifuge within 2 hours

Clinical Notes

Iron status is used in the diagnosis and management of some hematologic and hepatic conditions. In addition to serum iron levels, several tests may be ordered including UIBC, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and ferritin. TIBC is a surrogate for transferrin and has a direct relationship to it. TIBC = (UIBC + serum iron). UIBC and TIBC are increased in low iron states such as uncomplicated anemia and decreased in high iron conditions such as hemochromatosis. The lone exception to the preceding is the case of anemia of chronic disease where the patient may be anemic but has adequate iron reserves and a low UIBC.

Performing Lab

Principle Laboratory - Dallas
6210 N Belt Line Rd
#170
Irving, TX 75063

Principle Laboratory - Houston
16840 Buccaneer Ln
Suite 281
Houston, TX 77058