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Iron Stain, technical only

Test ID: S IRON TC CPT Code: 88313 TC
Expected Turnaround Time
2 days
Stated turn-around-times (TATs) are for clinical use only and subject to change based on biopharma protocol requirements. Final TATs will be specified in the biopharma study contract.
Clinical Information
The iron special stain is used to detect ferric iron deposits in tissue samples. When applied, the stain reacts with ferric iron to form a blue pigment, allowing pathologists to identify conditions such as hemosiderosis and hemochromatosis, where iron accumulates abnormally in tissues. This staining method is particularly useful in liver and bone marrow biopsies to assess iron storage and diagnose related disorders. Technical component only. Pathologist read not included.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Requirements
  • Fresh Bone Marrow Aspirate: 4 mL (0.5 mL), EDTA or NaHep
  • Bone Marrow Aspirate Smear (pre-prepared): 4-6 slides (min 1 slide), Methanol fixed preferred (Air dried accepted)
  • Fresh Peripheral Blood: 4 mL (0.5 mL), EDTA or NaHep
  • Peripheral Blood Smear (pre-prepared): 4-6 slides (min 1 slide), Methanol fixed preferred (Air dried accepted)
  • Bone Marrow Core Biopsy – wet tissue: 1 cm; fixative should be at a 20:1 fixative to tissue ratio, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) or B-Plus fixative
  • Bone Marrow Aspirate Clot – wet tissue: 5 mm; fixative should be at a 20:1 fixative to tissue ratio, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) or B-Plus fixative
  • Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Cores and Clots (preprepared): 4-6 slides; 3- 5 μM on adhesion glass (min 1 slide per stain), Formalin Fixed
  • Fresh Tissue: Fixative should be at a 20:1 fixative to tissue ratio, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for 6-72 hours (48-72 hours PREFERRED)
  • Formalin-fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue (FFPE blocks): FFPE Block, Formalin Fixed
Specimen Stability
  • Fresh Bone Marrow Aspirate and Peripheral Blood: 24 Hours
  • Bone Marrow Aspirate and Peripheral Blood Smear (pre-prepared, methanol fixed): Indefinite
  • Wet tissue: Min 6 Hours - ≤ 72 Hours preferred, up to 168 Hours acceptable
  • Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues: Indefinite
  • Fresh Tissue: ≤ 72 Hours
Storage Requirements

15°C to 25°C

Shipping Conditions
Ambient
Shipping Recommendations
  • Fresh Tissue: AMBIENT
  • Formalin-fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue (FFPE blocks) and unstained slides: AMBIENT, Use a refrigerated (NOT FROZEN) gel pack in the shipment to protect from extreme temperatures. Separate gel pack from specimen.
  • Specimens may be transferred to 70% alcohol for transportation purposes after fixation in 10% NBF or B plus.
Specimen Rejection Criteria

Specimens must be fixed in 10% NBF or B plus. All other fixatives will be rejected. 

Test Details

Test Method
Anatomic Pathology
Methodology Category
Anatomic Pathology
Regulatory Status
IVD, CE-marked
Special Considerations
  • Fresh Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Aspirate: All attempts will be made to create a smear with aspirate samples >24 hours. Samples analyzed for MDS cannot be accurately assessed past 24 hours.
  • Bone Marrow Aspirate Clot – wet tissue: After fixation in 10% NBF, place tissue in 70% ethanol and store at 2-8°C. Samples will be stable for up to 3 months in 70% ethanol.
  • Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue (preprepared): Unbaked slides are preferred.
  • Fresh Tissue: Specimens may be fixed in formalin for 6-72 hours by collection sites, then transferred to 70% ethanol and stored at 2-8°C for longer term storage if needed. This is NOT preferred. Samples must be tested 3 months after placing in ethanol.
  • Unstained slides: Positively charged glass slides required to prevent background staining and prevent tissue loss. Slides should be left unbaked.