Lab comparison
Iron: Quest vs LabCorp vs BioReference, tube, code & requirements
. This page shows collection requirements for all three major reference labs in one view, so you don’t have to cross-check three portals.
Always verify against your lab’s current collection manual before drawing.
Every value on this page is verified by a nurse practitioner in active clinical practice, not scraped from an automated source.
| Requirement | Quest Diagnostics | LabCorp | BioReference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test code | 571 | 001339 | 0114-9 |
| Primary tube | Serum separator tube (SST) | Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma. | SST Tube |
| Specimen type | 1 mL serum | Serum (preferred) or plasma (lithium heparin only). EDTA plasma causes decreased results. | 2 mL SST Tube |
| Patient prep | Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia. | Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia. | Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia. |
| Turnaround time | Not stated | Not stated | Turnaround Time 1 DAY |
| Minimum volume | Minimum Volume 0.5 mL | Minimum Volume 0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.) | Qty 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Quest Diagnostics order code for Iron?
The Quest Diagnostics order code for Iron is 571.
What tube color does LabCorp use for Iron?
LabCorp uses a Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma. for Iron.
Does Iron require fasting?
Iron patient prep: Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia.. Always confirm with the ordering lab before the draw.
Data provenance
Source: Quest Diagnostics specimen collection manual, LabCorp directory of services, and BioReference laboratory collection guide.
Verified by: a licensed nurse practitioner in active clinical practice. Values are reviewed against each lab’s published collection requirements. Always confirm against your lab’s current manual before drawing.
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