Iron, Liver

Diagnostic Use

Copper and iron are measured in liver biopsy samples using ICP-MS. The samples
are received frozen, or already dried, wrapped in tin foil. They must be dried to
constant weight, the sample weight obtained, and then digested with concentrated
nitric acid to break down the tissue and form a homogeneous solution. Following
digesting, the samples are made up to constant volume with Water 1 and assayed
as soon as possible. The biopsy sample is for the determination of iron for
Hemochromatosis and alcoholic liver disease and copper measurement for Wilsons
disease.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

LV

Laboratory Handling

Separating

Please store in the freezer on arrival at the laboratory, to Lipids / Trace Metals- Freezer

Test Adds

Not applicable, for this sample type.

Synonyms

Liver Iron

Turnaround Time

4 weeks

Test Code

4268

Specimen Type

• Biopsy

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Additional Specimen Information

A liver biopsy of >1.5 cm long is required and after biopsy should immediately be
placed on a 5 cm square of aluminium foil. The foil is then folded like an envelope
and placed in a urine pottle for transport to the laboratory.
On receipt in your laboratory the aluminium foil should be slightly opened and dried
at
37oC for 24 hours. After drying the foil should be tightly closed and may be
sellotaped to the referral letter or request form. Drying of the sample will prevent
bacterial growth and protect the liver sample from contamination by environmental
iron and copper. (Alternatively the sample in aluminium foil should be frozen and
sent to the Laboratory on ice).
Brief clinical details should be included plus ferritin, iron and %saturation levels in
cases of suspected haemochromatosis.

Aliquot Instructions

Transport to Lab

Frozen

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

1.0 - 2.0 mg dried weight. Dry overnight at 37°C or freezer - 20°C. Minimum 0.5 mg dried weight

Interpretation

Supply Ferritin and Iron saturation results with the sample if available

Reference Intervals

350 – 1250 ug/g dry tissue

Test Method

ICP-MS

Non-Funded Test Cost

$119.75 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

4268

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

Contact Information

Enquiry Form