serum iron
(Fe)

Sample type:

Serum

Uses:

This test is helpful in the differential diagnosis of anemia, in assessment

of iron-deficiency anemia, and in the evaluation of thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, and hemochromatosis.

Precaution :

Patient Preparation:

no test preparation is needed.

serum iron sample collection:

A healthcare provider will insert a needle into a vein in your arm or hand and draw a small sample of blood. This sample will then be tested in a laboratory.

Interfering factors:

Drugs that may cause increased iron include ethanol, estrogens, and oral contraceptives.
Drugs that may cause decreased iron include some antibiotics, aspirin, and testosterone.
Hemolysis of the blood sample interferes with testing.
Iron contamination of glassware used in testing can give high values.
Menstruation causes decreased iron; iron is elevated in the premenstrual period.
There is a diurnal variation in iron: normal values in the morning, lower in midafternoon, very low in the evening.

Pre - analytical errors:

1- Collecting the sample in the evening when iron level is very low

2- If the patient has Menstruation it will cause decrease in iron level

3- premenstrual period iron level is elevated

4- if the patient taking drugs affecting iron levels .

Corrective action :

1/Morning is the best time to conduct this test

2/you should ask the Patient about the history of menstrual bleeding .

3/The patient should be asked about the medication he is taking.

Post analytical errors:

1- Writing wrong name in the report

2- Writing a wrong result in the report

The corrective action

1/Make sure you write the correct name in the report or use codes that contain all patient data .

2/If the report is not delivered to the patient and this error is discovered the correct result must be written, but if the report is delivered to the patient must communicate with him and tell him that an error has occurred and replace with the correct report

Reference ranges:

Male: 80-180 mcg/dL or 14-32 μmol/L (SI units)

Female: 60-160 mcg/dL or 11-29 μmol/L (SI units)

Newborn: 100-250 mcg/dL

Child: 50-120 mcg/dL