Special Stain, Iron
Also known as: IRON SS
Use
The Iron Special Stain test is utilized to demonstrate iron deposits in tissue and cells using a histochemical staining technique. It is primarily used in pathology to assist in the evaluation of diseases and conditions associated with iron metabolism, such as hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis. Iron deposits, when present, can contribute to tissue damage, and their identification is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
Special Instructions
The test is a stain and return service, where the specimen is processed and stained by the laboratory and returned for interpretation by the submitting pathologist. An ARUP Anatomic Pathology Test Request Form is recommended for submission, and the paraffin-embedded tissue blocks or slides should be sent in a tissue transport kit to prevent deterioration during shipping. The service is available Monday through Friday.
Limitations
The Iron Special Stain is provided as a technical service and does not include interpretation of results. It is important that the specimen submitted is representative of the area being studied, as specimens with nonrepresentative tissue may be rejected. This test cannot be performed on frozen specimens, as freezing damages the tissue integrity required for accurate staining. The presence of iron deposits may vary across different sections of the tissue, leading to potential underestimation of iron deposition if sampling is not comprehensive.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (FFPE)
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
1 slide
Container
Tissue transport kit
Collection Instructions
Formalin fix (10 percent neutral buffered formalin is preferred) and paraffin embed specimen. Transport tissue block or 2 unstained, positively charged slides (3- to 5-micron thick sections).
Storage Instructions
Room temperature or refrigerated. Ship in cooled container during summer months.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens submitted with nonrepresentative tissue type. Depleted specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Indefinitely |
| Refrigerated | Indefinitely |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |