Iron + Total Iron-Binding Capacity Test

Iron + Total Iron-Binding Capacity Test

Assessing Iron Metabolism

Iron is an essential nutrient required for the production of healthy red blood cells. It is a critical part of hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells which helps distribute oxygen to the cells in your body.

MosaicDX’s Iron + Total Iron Binding Capacity Test is used to measure your blood iron level. Although this test may be performed as a routine part of health screening, your doctor typically orders this test in particular if they suspect you may have an iron deficiency or overload.

Our high-complexity laboratory is committed to delivering accurate and reliable results in coordination with these top licensure programs:
Serum
Turnaround Time: 1-2 weeks

Turnaround times are estimates. Detailed order tracking is available in the MosaicDX Portal.

Iron + Total Iron-Binding Capacity Test

What Patients Might Benefit from Iron Testing?

There are a number of symptoms and conditions associated with excess iron:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Arrhythmias
  • Arthritis
  • Autoimmune Disease
  • Bipolar Depression
  • Certain Cancers
  • Cirrhosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Epilepsy
  • Immune Suppression
  • Neuroferritinopathy
  • Parkinson’s Disease

Details

Why Measure your Blood Iron Levels?

Excess iron, as well as low levels, can significantly impact health. Hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that increases iron absorption, is the most common cause of excess iron and affects 1.5 million people in the US. The disease can manifest in a variety of symptoms, including skin pigmentation, diabetes, cardiac dysfunction, and cancer.

Excessive iron levels have also been linked to neurological and psychiatric symptoms such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. Iron is essential in the body, and iron deficiency can lead to anemia, while blood loss and toxic elements like lead can also reduce iron utilization. Iron absorption is increased by ascorbic acid, and red meats are more readily absorbed than other sources. Iron is stored in the iron-binding protein transferrin and is released when iron deficiency occurs. Nutritional iron is mostly incorporated into the protein in red blood cells called hemoglobin, and iron is also present in the respiratory complexes of mitochondria and in detoxification enzymes like cytochrome p450 enzymes.

Learn More About the Iron + Total Iron-Binding Capacity Test: Explore FAQs

Analytes

MosaicDX’s Iron + Total Iron Binding Capacity Test assesses three key areas:

  • Total Iron
  • Total Iron Binding Capacity
  • Percent Saturation

Sample Reports

MosaicDX’s Iron + Total Iron Binding Capacity Test reveals low or excessive levels for a more personalized treatment plan.

Test Prep and Instructions

MosaicDX offers patient-friendly sample collection kits that simplify testing. Our kits include visual, step-by-step instructions for test preparation and sample collection, personalized shipping cards, and pediatric collection bags if needed. With MosaicDX, patients can easily collect samples for testing with confidence and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ordering process for MosaicDX tests starts with your healthcare practitioner assessing your symptoms and recommending the most appropriate test.

Once a test has been recommended, collection kits can be conveniently ordered and delivered straight to your doorstep. If you already have a collection kit, you can register your test and begin the process at your convenience.

It is important to carefully follow the collection instructions and include all required information about yourself and your specimens when registering your test. When your specimens are collected, you can use the prepaid shipping materials provided in your kit to ship them to MosaicDX. Your results will be accessible online via the MosaicDX portal. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your healthcare practitioner to discuss your results and develop a plan for your healthcare

If you are located outside of the U.S., our customer service team can assist you in finding a distributor in your country. In countries where a distributor is not required, you can place an order through our international patient ordering site. Please note that all international shipping costs must be paid prior to shipping the kit.  

Different states have regulations that define the scope of practice for practitioners. It is the practitioner’s responsibility to abide by these rules. Check with your state board of health to determine any restrictions related to laboratory testing. Please note, Mosaic Diagnostics does not offer testing in New York. 

Once you have opened your account, you have the options of ordering kits to stock in your office or drop-ship kits directly to your patients through your MosaicDX portal.   

Watch our short tutorial videos on how to conveniently  

Already have a kit? Watch this video on how to place an order for your patient using a kit from your inventory.   

Please refer to your test’s specific Test Preparation and Instructions for more information regarding the potential effects of medications, foods, and supplements on this test. 

You make also consult your healthcare provider prior to making any changes to your medications.

Visit the payment information page for an overview of payment options and procedures along with insurance coverage overview.

NOTE: Insurance coverage for testing is based on several factors such as the type of procedure, diagnosis, and insurance policy guidelines. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance company to check for coverage and to provide the procedure codes (CPT codes) and diagnostic codes (ICD-10 codes). The CPT codes can be found on the billing information page, while ICD-10 codes are provided by the practitioner.

Mosaic Diagnostics offers written interpretations within test reports and complimentary consultations with our clinical educators for qualified practitioners. To schedule a consultation, simply sign in to your MosaicDX account and book a consultation online. 

We encourage all patients to discuss results with your practitioner.

Our Resources tab also contains educational materials that you may find useful, we also offer MosaicEDGE workshops for qualified practitioners to better understand the fundamentals of lab testing.

Have a question? We've got answers.

Our team of experts can help you find exactly what you need. Contact us now and let's get started.

Clinical References

  1. Ferreira, Carlos R., Gahl, William A.  Disorders of metal metabolism. Translational Science of Rare Diseases, vol. 2, no. 3-4, pp. 101-139, 2017
  2. JSK Kauwe, S Bertelsen, K Mayo, C Cruchaga, R Abraham, P Hollingworth, DHarold, MJ Owen, J Williams, S Lovestone, JC Morris, AM Goate, and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Suggestive synergy between genetic variants in TF and HFE as risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2010 June 5; 153B(4): 955–959
  3. M Ikeda. Iron overload without the C282Y mutation in patients with epilepsy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2001;70:551–553.
  4. Hyman M. Schipper. Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation — Clinical syndromes and neuroimaging. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 1822 (2012) 350–360
  5. Ward RJ,Dexter DT,Crichton RR  Neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutic strategies using iron  chelators. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2015 Jan 22. pii: S0946-672X(15)00006-1. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.12.012. [Epub ahead of print]
  6. Ernest M. Walker, Jr. and Sandra M. Walker. Effects of Iron Overload on the Immune System. Annals o f Clinical & Laboratory Science, vol. 30, no 4, 2000
  7. Hemochromatosis: Blues and Outbursts—contributing factor the amygdalae. Iron Disorders Institute nanograms: October 2012
  8. Kontoghiorghes GJ. Record number of fatalities in many categories of patients treated with deferasirox: do loopholes in regulatory and marketing procedures undermine patient safety and misguide public funds? Expert Opin Drug Saf. <#> 2013 Sep;12(5):605-9. doi:   10.1517/14740338.2013.799664. Epub 2013 May 21.
  9. http://www.irondisorders.org/iron-tests
  10. Case study of hemochromatosis. http://www.irondisorders.org/Websites/idi/images/Melanie_2012_FINAL6.1.2012.pdf
  11. Smith T J, Ashar B H (January 09, 2019) Iron Deficiency Anemia Due to High-dose Turmeric. Cureus 11(1): e3858. DOI 10.7759/cureus.3858
  12. Turmeric dosage. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-dosage.
  13. M Ikeda. Iron overload without the C282Y mutation in patients with epilepsy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2001;70:551–553 551
  14. *Cutler P. Iron overload and psychiatric illness. Canadian J. Psychiatry 39:8-11,1994
  15. **http://www.irondisorders.org/Websites/idi/images/Melanie_2012_FINAL6.1.2012.pdf