Iron with Deferoxamine Challenge (Serum Substance Concentration)
This test measures how your body handles iron after a specific medication is given. It helps assess iron overload or iron deficiency conditions.
["Evaluates iron metabolism response to deferoxamine, a drug used to treat iron overload disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53495-8
- Short code
- Iron p deferoxamine Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Iron p deferoxamine Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 60
- Ref high
- 170
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83540
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or abnormal lab results that suggest iron-related disorders. It’s also used to monitor how well deferoxamine works in treating iron overload, such as in conditions like thalassemia or hemochromatosis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re taking deferoxamine, it should be administered as directed by your doctor the day of the test.
What the Test Results Mean
Results help determine if your body is absorbing iron correctly after deferoxamine treatment. Abnormal results may indicate ineffective iron management or underlying conditions requiring further medical evaluation.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is primarily used to diagnose or monitor iron overload disorders, such as hereditary hemochromatosis or thalassemia, and to assess how well deferoxamine therapy is working.
Reference range
NCBI: Serum Iron Male 65-180; Female 50-170 µg/dLN/A
Fasting for 12 hours preferred. Iron supplements should be stopped 24 hours before if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Iron overload occurs when too much iron builds up in the body, often due to genetic disorders or repeated blood transfusions. Deferoxamine is a chelating agent that binds to excess iron, helping to remove it from the body. This test helps doctors track iron levels and guide treatment adjustments to prevent complications like organ damage or anemia.
Short name
Iron binding test
Frequently asked questions
What does a deferoxamine challenge test measure?
Deferoxamine is typically given as an intravenous infusion the day of the blood draw, as directed by your healthcare provider. This mimics how it’s used in treatment for iron overload.
Is fasting required for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy