Iron - urine
Last updated: Friday, 02, April, 2004
| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 24 hour urine collection with HCl as preservative and in an iron-free container. |
| Method | Spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry. |
| Reference Interval | <0.2 µmol/24 hours. |
| Application | Assessment of response to iron chelation therapy. Assessing haemolysis. |
| Interpretation | In patients with iron overload increased excretion will occur in response to chelating agents. Urine iron excretion should be >14 µmol/24 hours after desferrioxamine. Urine iron is increased by haemolysis. |
| Reference | Lundvall O. Acta Med Scand 1971; 189: 51-63. Maraj R et al. Clin Cardiol. 1998; 21(6): 387-392. |