Iron and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC) is drawn in a Serum separator tube (SST) at Quest, a Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma. at LabCorp, and a SST Tube at BioReference.
Lab comparison
Iron and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC): 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.
View one lab
| Requirement | Quest Diagnostics | LabCorp | BioReference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test code | 7573 | 001321 | 0250-1 |
| 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. |
| Minimum volume | Minimum Volume 0.5 mL | Minimum Volume 0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.) | Stated with specimen 2 mL |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Quest Diagnostics order code for Iron and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC)?
The Quest Diagnostics order code for Iron and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC) is 7573.
What tube color does LabCorp use for Iron and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC)?
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 and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC).
Does Iron and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC) require fasting?
Iron and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC) 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.
Quest verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 5, 2026
LabCorp verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 4, 2026
BioReference verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 8, 2026
Need the full lookup, not just a comparison?
No login · Zero PHI · Clinician-verified · Quest + LabCorp + BioReference.
More test comparisons
Related: why lab specimens get rejected, and how to prevent it
← All comparison guides